Deals

Digital transformation firm ANS has snapped up Derby-based consultancy Makutu in a deal designed to strengthen its data engineering and AI offering.

The acquisition, backed by Inflexion and Barings, brings Makutu鈥檚 25-strong team of data architects, engineers and AI experts into the Manchester-based company.聽

The move expands its ability to build enterprise-grade data platforms.

Founded in 2020, Makutu has quickly scaled to earn a spot in Megabuyte鈥檚 top five emerging players earlier this year.聽

Its expertise includes Microsoft Fabric readiness, OneLake migration, predictive analytics and real-time IoT platforms, with clients spanning local government, housing, utilities and retail.

The company鈥檚 鈥楳icrosoft-first鈥 approach fits in with ANS鈥檚 long-standing partnership with the tech giant.聽

Edinburgh UX consultancy raises funds as it appoints CEO & chair

ANS was named Microsoft Services Partner of the Year in 2024 and counts more than 100 certified Microsoft specialists and four Most Valuable Professionals among its 650-strong workforce.

The deal follows its 2022 acquisition of Dynamics 365 specialist Preact as it looks to scale through both organic growth and selective M&A.

鈥淢akutu鈥檚 expertise in data platforms, AI and IoT will enable us to accelerate our mission to make technology accessible and impactful for all organisations,鈥 said Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS.

鈥淐ustomers increasingly recognise that AI success depends on strong data foundations.聽

鈥淲ith Makutu joining our team, we are in an even stronger position to help organisations across the UK prepare for that future.鈥

Makutu CTO, Simon Blewitt, added: 鈥淛oining ANS gives our team the scale and reach to maximise what we do best 鈥 designing and delivering data and AI solutions that transform organisations.聽

鈥淲e are proud of the reputation we have built in the Microsoft ecosystem and are looking forward to combining our innovation and technical depth with ANS鈥檚 national presence and strong community values.鈥

NRG Therapeutics raises 拢50m to tackle neurodegenerative disorders