PwC picks up consulting division of UAE data analytics firm Teambase
PwC Middle East has acquired the consulting division of Teambase – a data analytics and digital transformation consultancy based in the UAE.
The Middle East branch of global professional services leader PwC has moved to expand its big data and digital transformation capabilities with the purchase of UAE-based data analytics consultancy Teambase Consulting. “Our clients are demanding more impact, value, quality; all with a more digitally enabled experience,” PwC Middle East Senior Partner Hani Ashkar said of the deal.
Founded in 2014, the consulting division of Teambase is described as a multi-disciplinary data science, analytics, artificial intelligence and technology consultancy offering a variety of data insight solutions, including custom solutions in IoT, cloud, web portals, online collaborations, and dynamic CRM. Clients to date include among others Emaar, Chalhoub Group and Willis Towers Watson.
“We are enhancing our service offerings in the digital space,” said Ashkar. “Our investment in Teambase Consulting will allow us to grow our digital service proposition and drive growth within a priority area for us, as a firm. As our region continues to transform, our strategic investments will help us drive value for our clients; solving their most important problems and building trust in our society.”According the PwC, the acquisition will complement its existing data analytics capabilities across multiple industries including the public sector, financial services, retail, real estate, logistics and aviation across the region – with PwC Middle East’s operations stretching across more than 20 offices in 12 countries: the GCC together with Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan Iraq, Libya, and Palestine.
"We are thrilled to be joining forces with PwC in the Middle East, said Teambase founder Teambase Jan Gloncak. “Teambase Consulting uses the latest and greatest of what technology has to offer, with innovative solutions that transform your business. Joining PwC will expand our technical and consulting reach in the region to offer stronger and more comprehensive data driven transformation services in the Middle East market.”
Khurana departure
Gloncak joins PwC as a partner – one of more than 200 in the region for the firm, with an overall headcount exceeding 5,000. Meanwhile, however, the local arm has lost one of its most prominent partners, with Anil Khurana appointed as PwC’s Global Industrial Manufacturing and Automotive (IM&A) Industry Leader to be based out of the US – heading up a team of over 20,000 professionals worldwide.
Formerly the local Lead Partner for Strategy, and Consumer & Industrial Products and Services, Khurana has been with PwC in Dubai for nearly the past eight years, joining the firm through a previous acquisition; management consultancy PRTM, of which Khurana was the founder and head of its MENA practice. Khurana has since become a noted PwC commentator in the region, including a recent keynote appearance at the IoT Middle East conference.
“I am delighted to be asked to lead the global industry practice, it’s an exciting time to lead and work with our clients as they are immersed in complex issues ranging from dramatic shifts in global trade and supply chains, changes in financial & tax policies and regulations, consolidation of sectors, emergence of new forms of competition, as well as other critical areas such as emerging technologies and workforce upskilling,” Khurana stated.