NTT DATA Business Solutions AG, a group company of NTT DATA and a global strategic partner of SAP, has unveiled its acquisition of Sapphire, a UK-headquartered provider of digital operations software and services that specializes in business solutions revolving around SAP, ServiceNow, Infor, Hexagon, and Automation Anywhere.
According to a press release, with the acquisition, more than 1,200 existing customers with an average 7-year relationship with Sapphire will move to the NTT/NTT DATA Group.
“We are excited to leverage the potential Sapphire offers to our global customers, especially their ServiceNow partnership capabilities. Sapphire’s expertise complements those of NTT DATA Business Solutions and will allow us to comprehensively serve the UK and US SME market. In addition, the acquisition will contribute to increase our market share in these two focus countries,” said Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions and EVP NTT DATA, Inc. “Sapphire has a strong SAP knowledge in development and consulting, particularly in the area of finance and logistic. Together, we can even more effectively support our customers throughout their complete lifecycle,” he added.
The deal is a win-win for both NTT and Sapphire. This is because Sapphire’s main markets are the UK and US, and this acquisition enables NTT DATA Business Solutions to expand its business in the countries. It also enhances Sapphire’s targeted global expansion.
According to Vince De Luca, CEO of Sapphire, “The investment potential and global influence from this new leadership will empower us to scale internationally in unprecedented ways. This is a transformative opportunity for our entire team at Sapphire who now become part of one of the world’s largest digital operations providers, and we are all excited to be embarking on this new journey together with our new colleagues at NTT DATA Business Solutions.”
Indeed, Sapphire, a provider of digital operations software and services to primarily mid-market customers in the US and UK markets through its partnerships with SAP, ServiceNow, Infor SunSystems, HxGN and AWS, is a prized catch for NTT DATA.
Justin Brading, EVP of Western Europe and Managing Director UK&I for NTT DATA Business Solutions explained why Sapphire was special saying, “Having watched Sapphire’s business evolution over two decades, the esteem Sapphire commands in the market, from both customers and suppliers, is evident. Sapphire’s extensive capability in the SAP midmarket is a significant addition to NTT DATA Business Solutions, with our mutual focus on driving digital transformation through cloud adoption making us the only SAP partner able to comprehensively and consistently serve enterprise and mid-market customer’s needs.”
“Sapphire complements our US team and will expedite our move into SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud, a mutual priority for both SAP and NTT DATA Business Solutions. Vince De Luca, the CEO of Sapphire, will bring invaluable insights to our US leadership, further bolstering our growth aspirations,” said Steve Niesman, EVP and President Americas Region for NTT DATA Business Solutions.