SCD Advisory acted as sell-side adviser to Exent on their sale to Atturra

Headquartered in Brisbane, Exent is an advisory and consulting services firm specialising in strategy to implementation business transformation advisory in vendor neutral, client-side technology, people, and business processes. Exent specialises in business transformation projects that span people, process, technology, and data, with a highly experienced team across advisory and delivery.

The transaction is expected to complete on or around 31 July 2024, subject to the satisfaction of conditions precedent in the SSA.

CEO of Atturra, Stephen Kowal, said:

“There is an increase in businesses looking for a trusted advisor with the capability to help scope extensive technology change programs and then advise on this complex transformational activity. Atturra has worked with the Exent team through its Local Government and Education clients and is aware of its highly regarded reputation in advisory. They also have a specialisation in aged care and a growing capability in health.

As part of our growth strategy, we have been seeking the right opportunity to harness our strength, expertise and reputation in Canberra and Defence to expand our advisory business into the commercial sector. The acquisition of Exent with its complementary expertise gives us the perfect entry point. There is a strong cultural alignment between the two companies, and we look forward to welcoming Phil Fowdar and the Exent team to Atturra.”

Founder of Exent, Joe Fazzari, said:

“From inception, Exent has been on a mission to challenge and innovate the consulting space. On the back of great client outcomes and a superb team, we have delivered on our goals. Ranking as Australia’s 33rd fastest growing firm last year, we were looking carefully at our next stage of growth. A strategic acquisition made perfect sense, and Atturra was the perfect partner. Exent’s capabilities in business transformation, complex technology advisory and implementation, process re-engineering and people change are perfect complements to Atturra’s scale and depth in technology. Atturra is an excellent fit on capability, culture, and mission. With this acquisition, we aim to accelerate Atturra’s drive to become Australia’s leading technology services firm.”

Managing Partner of Exent, Phil Fowdar, said:

“The leadership team at Exent is excited about this acquisition, which expands our capabilities and service offering to clients, and provides tremendous career opportunities to our team. Our depth in complex technology-enabled transformation and commitment to outcomes will be greatly enhanced by the resources and reputation of Atturra. We see enormous potential to bring our advisory capability to the breadth of Atturra’s technology capabilities. With Atturra, we have a strong shared vision, backed by the scale and depth in business and technology transformation, to create a leading full-service firm with a difference.”

Regarding SCD Advisory’s role in the transaction, Joe Fazzari Founder of Exent said:

SCD were outstanding partners who brought a real understanding of consulting businesses and how they are best sold. They delivered a transaction that exceeded our expectations and moved with great speed and effectiveness. The outcomes are sensational – a terrific new home in the Atturra business, new scale and opportunities for clients and team alike, and an accelerated path to become Australia’s leading technology services firm. SCD were instrumental and we’re very grateful for their contributions to another great win in Exent’s fantastic story.

Pierre Briand, Founder of SCD Advisory concluded:

The prep4sale workshop done a few years ago and our intimate knowledge of the consulting and IT services sectors enabled us to execute for Exent’s founder the deal corresponding to his objectives: quality of a synergetic buyer, speed of the transaction and simplicity of the deal structure. Exent business has been impressive in the past recent years and will be extremely complementary to Attura. We wish both great success in their journey and wish all the best for Joe. It was a pleasure to work with an impressive founder and sell – for the 2nd time – a consultancy to the publicly listed Australian IT group Attura.