Accenture Acquires Soben to Enhance Capital Project Capabilities
Accenture has announced its agreement to acquire Soben, a global construction consultancy firm headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland. The acquisition aims to strengthen Accenture’s capital projects capabilities, particularly in data center development, as well as the pharmaceutical and energy industries. With Soben’s expertise in project, cost, and commercial management, Accenture is set to enhance its advisory services and execution support for clients managing large-scale capital projects.
Expanding Capital Project Capabilities
Soben specializes in delivering consulting services for global hyperscalers and co-location providers engaged in major data center construction projects. Its portfolio includes project management consultancy, scheduling, project controls, cost and commercial management, consultancy and advisory, and carbon cost management. The company employs 250 professionals across key markets, including Western Europe (UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Netherlands), the US, Mexico, Brazil, India, and Australia. Upon completion of the acquisition, Soben will integrate into Accenture’s infrastructure and capital projects practice within Industry X, the company’s digital engineering and manufacturing division.
Addressing Challenges in Capital Projects
Accenture’s research highlights significant challenges faced by organizations undertaking capital projects. These include increasing scrutiny from stakeholders, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and cybersecurity risks. According to a study conducted by Accenture, only 6% of 700 surveyed organizations successfully complete projects on or ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, two-thirds of companies experience delays, leading to an average increase of 29% in labor costs and penalty fees.
The impact of these challenges is particularly pronounced in the data center sector, where demand for new construction and modernization projects is surging. Accenture estimates that annual spending in data center development across the US, Europe, and the Middle East will exceed $200 billion over the next three to five years. By acquiring Soben, Accenture aims to strengthen its ability to support clients in overcoming these obstacles, ensuring more efficient project planning and execution.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Data Centers
“The market for capital projects, particularly data centers, is expanding rapidly due to increasing demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and exponential data growth,” said Steve Roberts, Senior Managing Director at Accenture Industry X. “Hyperscalers and co-location companies face immense pressure to meet this demand. By combining Soben’s expertise in data center construction with Accenture’s capital projects experience, we will provide an unmatched level of service to our clients.”
Soben’s addition to Accenture will also enhance its European presence, particularly in the UK. Maddie Walker, Accenture’s Industry X Lead for the UK, Ireland, and Africa, emphasized the significance of this expansion. “With complex capital projects on the horizon and increasing AI adoption, the UK is positioning itself for growth. The construction sector must embrace innovation, technology, and skills development to remain competitive. By joining forces with Soben, Accenture will bring together leading minds in capital projects and emerging technologies to help clients navigate this transformation.”
A Shared Vision for Innovation and Growth
Soben was founded in 2011 with the goal of disrupting the construction consultancy sector. Over the past decade, the company has established itself as a key player in capital projects across Europe and North America. Scott Smyth, CEO of Soben, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s next chapter with Accenture. “By joining Accenture, we can take our vision to the next level. This move provides incredible opportunities for our team to expand their careers while giving our clients access to Accenture’s global network and digital capabilities. We look forward to accelerating their business growth and delivering exceptional outcomes for capital projects worldwide.”
Strengthening Accenture’s Global Infrastructure Practice
The acquisition of Soben is part of Accenture’s broader strategy to expand its infrastructure and capital projects capabilities worldwide. Since 2023, Accenture has made a series of strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in this space. Notable additions include:
- Anser Advisory (USA, 2023): A firm specializing in advisory and management services for large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Comtech (Canada, 2023): A consulting and program management company focused on public and private infrastructure development.
- BOSLAN (Spain, 2024): A provider of management services for net-zero infrastructure initiatives.
- IQT Group (Italy, 2024): A firm offering engineering managed services for large infrastructure projects.
By integrating Soben into its growing infrastructure practice, Accenture continues to position itself as a leader in capital project consulting, ensuring that organizations have the expertise and resources needed to successfully navigate complex, high-stakes construction initiatives.
