UST’s Strategic Acquisition: A Bold Step into Intelligent Automation
In a significant move that underscores its commitment to innovation and growth, UST has announced the acquisition of the automation unit of Information Services Group (ISG) for $27 million in an all-cash transaction. This acquisition, revealed on October 3, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for UST as it seeks to enhance its presence in the rapidly evolving intelligent automation market.
Strengthening Intelligent Automation Capabilities
The automation unit acquired from ISG is recognized as a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions. With a focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA), the unit has been instrumental in helping clients across various industries streamline their business processes, improve customer experiences, and significantly reduce operational costs. This aligns perfectly with UST’s mission to empower organizations through digital transformation.
Founded in 2017, the ISG automation unit has built a robust portfolio that includes RPA software implementation, support, and licensing services. With over 120 senior automation consultants and technologists spread across the US, UK, India, Canada, and Germany, the unit brings a wealth of expertise and experience to UST. This strategic acquisition not only enhances UST’s capabilities but also expands its global footprint in the intelligent automation landscape.
A Strong Partner Ecosystem
One of the standout features of the acquired unit is its established partnerships with leading automation vendors such as Automation Anywhere, UiPath, and Blue Prism. These collaborations enable the unit to offer comprehensive end-to-end services, from strategy and design to implementation and ongoing support. By integrating this unit into its operations, UST is poised to strengthen its partner ecosystem in the intelligent automation space, allowing for a broader range of services to be delivered to clients.
Sajesh Gopinath, General Manager of UST Automation, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "This strategic acquisition represents a significant step forward for the UST Automation team, enabling greater intelligent automation consulting capabilities." The move is expected to enhance UST’s ability to deliver a larger suite of services, including business transformation and automation-powered Business Process as a Service (BPaaS).
Meeting Growing Demand for Automation
The timing of this acquisition is particularly relevant as enterprises increasingly seek to scale and optimize automation across their operations. The demand for intelligent automation solutions is surging, driven by the need for organizations to enhance productivity and improve customer experiences. UST’s investment in this sector positions the company to capitalize on these trends and meet the evolving needs of its clients.
As generative AI continues to play a more prominent role in enterprise automation, UST’s acquisition will facilitate the onboarding of highly experienced intelligent automation consultants globally. This infusion of talent will not only bolster UST’s capabilities but also drive innovation and cost optimization for its clients.
A Vision for the Future
Michael P. Connors, Chairman and CEO of ISG, noted the benefits of this acquisition for the former automation unit, stating, "Our former automation unit will benefit from being part of a larger technology services organization, UST, a company that we have known and respected for years." This sentiment reflects the mutual respect and shared vision between the two organizations, emphasizing the potential for growth and innovation in the intelligent process automation space.
UST’s commitment to expanding its portfolio of automation platforms, accelerators, and AI-based solutions is evident in this strategic move. The company aims to not only enhance its service offerings but also to drive meaningful change for its clients and their customers.
About UST and ISG
UST has been a key player in digital transformation since its inception in 1999, partnering with some of the world’s leading companies to deliver impactful solutions. With a workforce of over 30,000 employees across more than 30 countries, UST focuses on turning core challenges into disruptive solutions that create lasting value.
On the other hand, ISG is a prominent global technology research and advisory firm, serving over 900 clients, including many of the world’s top enterprises. With a strong emphasis on digital transformation services, ISG is dedicated to helping organizations achieve operational excellence and accelerate growth.
This acquisition not only marks a significant milestone for UST but also sets the stage for continued innovation and leadership in the intelligent automation market. As the landscape evolves, UST is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of digital transformation.