Accenture to Acquire Corliant, Expanding Enterprise Networking Services and Capabilities

NEW YORK, NY - Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has agreed to acquire Corliant, a privately-held technology consulting firm that specializes in helping enterprise and service provider clients reduce the uncertainty and cost of deploying and supporting Internet Protocol (IP) networking solutions. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

With expertise in Cisco-based network technologies and solutions, Corliant will enhance Accenture's capabilities, skills and market presence in the network technology space. Corliant complements Accenture's enterprise networking services, helping provide the high performance solutions clients need to improve the security, availability and efficiency of their networks.

IP-based networks use one converged network -- instead of several smaller networks dedicated to specific purposes, like data and voice - and provide cost savings, operational improvements and sources of new revenue. Clients are increasingly seeking expertise in areas of advanced IP network technologies, such as, unified communications, IP contact center infrastructure, SOA enablement and self-defending networks. According to IDC, a leading IT industry analyst firm, the network consulting and integration market is projected to reach $28.3 billion in 2007.¹

"Corliant is an excellent strategic fit for Accenture," said John Kaltenmark, lead of Accenture Technology Consulting. "Their focus and expertise dovetails with our own capabilities, allowing us to become a onestop-shop for specialized networking services, skills and solutions. Corliant's talented professionals will enhance our ability to help our clients achieve high performance."

Once the acquisition is complete, Corliant will become part of Accenture Technology Consulting. All of Corliant's approximately 150 employees are expected to transition to Accenture.

"We look forward to the opportunity to combine Corliant's networking and Cisco-specific expertise with Accenture's broad client base, global footprint and ability to create and deliver high performance solutions to a wide range of enterprise and public sector clients," said Vish Tadimety, president and CEO of Corliant. "Working within the Accenture framework, we can use our methodologies in designing, integrating and creating advanced IP network solutions to create value for clients.

Founded in 2000, Corliant focuses on designing and implementing advanced IP Networks for its clients. It is headquartered in Philadelphia, with additional offices in San Jose, Chicago, Bangalore and Tokyo. Corliant is an established strategic partner with Cisco Systems and has a large number of Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert employees.

The acquisition is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close within 60 days

About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become highperformance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance. With approximately 170,000 people in 49 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$19.70 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2007. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

About Corliant
Corliant executes to a singular mission of providing world-class IP networking professional services to both Enterprise and Service Provider clients. Corliant offers unique end-to-end services solutions based on industry standard technologies. Corliant serves its global customer base with locations in the United States, Asia and Japan. Globally, Corliant commands outstanding expertise in helping clients optimize their IP networks, make money selling value added IP Services and keep them secure. Its home page is www.corliant.com. Technology M&A Practice, advised Corliant, Inc. in this transaction.


Source:
¹ 2007 estimate includes network services spending by enterprise and carrier customers. Source: IDC, Worldwide and U.S. Enterprise Network Consulting and Integration Services 2007-2011 Forecast and Analysis, Doc #207569, Jul 2007.