BrazilPwC acquires Saudi consultancy firm Emkan Education
PwC has acquired Emkan Education, an award-winning Saudi consultancy firm dedicated to the education sector.
Announced to the world at a signing ceremony in the presence of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, the deal sees one of the region’s leading education consultancies join the Big Four firm. Financial terms and conditions of the transaction have not been disclosed.
“We are delighted to welcome Emkan Education to PwC. This combination is a significant milestone in our commitment to helping shape the future of education across the region. By integrating Emkan Education’s deep expertise with PwC’s capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to deliver tailored solutions that align with the broader goals of economic transformation and skills development across the Middle East,” said Hani Ashkar, Middle East Senior Partner at PwC.
Riyadh AlNajjar, Middle East Chairman and KSA Senior Partner at PwC, highlighted how the deal will expand the firm’s impact in a critical pillar of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. “At PwC, we are deeply committed to supporting Vision 2030 goals. This acquisition strengthens our ability to help clients deliver world-class education while fostering the local talent and expertise that will be critical to the future success of Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy.”
The team of Emkan Education, which notably is led by three Saudi female leaders (Mounira Jamjoom, Sara Zaini and Basma Bushnak), will join PwC’s Advisory business, and integrate into the Public Sector practice.
“With deep expertise and recognition as leaders in education, the team of Emkan Education will further strengthen PwC’s capabilities in the education and skills sectors across the region,” said Roland Hancock, Partner at PwC and Leader of its Education & Skills offering.
A new chapter
Meanwhile, for Emkan Education, the joining of forces with the region’s largest professional services firm will open up a wide range of opportunities for its clients, people, and communities it serves.
Mounira Jamjoom, Co-founder of Emkan Education, stated: “Joining forces with PwC marks an exciting new chapter for our consultancy. Together, we are committed to delivering bespoke solutions that will enhance Saudi Arabia’s education system, drive human capital development, and play a key role in achieving the transformative goals of Vision 2030.”
Basma Bushnak, CEO of Emkan Education added: “This is an achievement not just for Emkan Education but for all Saudi professionals. I am confident that this partnership will lead us to new heights and I look forward to what we can achieve together.”
For PwC, which closes numerous deals every year all around the world to beef up its capabilities, the transaction is its first in the Middle East since Zero&One, which closed in 2022. Two years previous, the firm bought technology business Tyconz.
