Softcat buys Leeds-based data and AI consultancy Oakland
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Monday 07 Apr 2025
(Sharecast News) - Softcat said on Monday that it has bought Oakland, a specialist provider of data and AI consultancy services, for an initial payment of £8m.
There are further contingent payments over the next three years depending on performance.
Oakland's specialist consultancy services range from data strategy and governance, through to architecture and engineering, analytics and AI, Softcat said.
"This is an exciting growth segment of Softcat's market, with increasing demand from large and mid-market customers across both the corporate and public sectors for expert advice and execution on their data priorities," it said.
"The addition of Oakland's deep expertise in data to Softcat's broader portfolio will bring significant benefits to the combined entity's customer base, augmenting the group's ability to support customers across all key areas of their rapidly evolving technology infrastructure."
An existing partner to Softcat, Oakland is headquartered in Leeds and employs 70 people. In the 12 months to the end of December 2024, the business generated revenue of about £10m.
As part of the deal, Oakland's leadership team will join Softcat to run the business initially as a standalone operating unit.
Softcat chief executive Graham Charlton said: "Data is one of the biggest opportunities ahead of us as innovation in technology continues to shift rapidly towards a more automated and AI-driven world. Our customers need expert support to navigate this transition, so by combining Softcat's market presence and broad portfolio with Oakland's specialist capabilities, we can guide customers through every stage of this journey.
"The acquisition of Oakland delivers an immediate, strategically important addition to our portfolio of services, and most importantly brings into the Softcat family a fantastic group of people who we know well and who align closely to our culture and values."
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