The continuation of two mega-deals (SAP & HP) this quarter is remarkable, despite the difficult times in which we now find ourselves where as effect a substantial reduction in the number of transactions has taken place. The fact remains however that especially in the beginning of Q4 market dynamics where still very much in motion.

Detron and 2e2 Netherlands have completed the acquisition of two units of 2e2 Netherlands, namely 2e2  Integration & Services and 2e2 Skilled Resources, by Detron, one of the larger Dutch independent business IT & telecom services to SMEs and mid-business market. Both parties are very happy and positive about the process and the final transaction.

CIC acted on behalf of the Detron ICT & Telecom Group, is co-initiator of this project and has successfully advised, brokered and assisted in the actual completion of the purchase / sale process. This is the third time since 2008 that CIC has realized a transaction with Detron.

The acquired business will be placed in the newly formed division Detron ICT Solutions, of which includes Detron subsidiary Kender Thijssen will also be part of.

After working together succesfully on several projects this year we are proud to announce Andy Rooswinkel as the new associate partner and dealmaker with team CIC. 

Andy Rooswinkel (49) studied Business Economics and started as a trainer of accounting software at Compu’Train B.V. in the Netherlands. Andy than moved to the ERP vendor Unit 4 Software B.V.  First  active in channel sales followed by chairing the SMB division. Few years later promoted to the management board. Andy was responsible for worldwide alliances; product management; marketing and co-responsible for mergers and acquisitions. Part of Andy's track record includes his contribution to a very successful IPO and various acquisitions thereafter including post acquisition activities.

The annual Gartner ITxpo symposium has started this week in Barcelona. Gartner reported that worldwide security services spending is on pace to reach 35.1 billion dollars in 2011. More and more organizations prefer to take up IT security as a service. Gartner expects sales in IT security will grow to over 49 billion dollars in 2015.

This quarter was marked by increasing uncertainty in the merger and acquisition market by the Euro crisis and the economic / fiscal problems in the U.S. Still a few surprising planned mega deals, but larger and medium-sized deals are postponed. Smaller acquisitions however with a solid strategic focus on growth have been undiminished.

We can already say that 2011 has shown us how vulnerable businesses and governments are in the area of IT and information security.

Remarkable transactions this quarter were introduced in the HR market through the acquisition of Raet by CVC Capital. Raet needs to grow further with increasing competition from AFAS and ADP. Payroll processing services in itself are hardly distinctive, it's more about the features in the HR software that will make a difference in the coming years. Complementary business venturing or additional M&A is inevitable.

The market for acquisitions continues to stay in motion. From our buyers and sellers database we have posted a quarterly update with our latest clients in portfolio for sale. Please contact us for more information about our the following buying opportunities:

• Online Platform digging and road construction

• IT Service Provider Learning Management Systems

• Leading supplier of Information Security programs and solutions

The second quarter of 2011 was marked by the remarkable acquisition of BI consulting firm Partake by Ernst & Young. Previous quarter, KPMG bought outsourcing specialist EquaTerra. Are the big accounting firms investing again in IT consultancy and services?

In the beginning of the year 2000 under great pressure from public opinion and various monitoring organizations, the big four accounting firms were put under pressure to divest their consulting divisions. Their opinion was that Consulting and public Auditing in large companies was incompatible and could lead to conflict of interest and lack of objectivity or critical attitude in the performance of the audit function.

Some of the "big six" as they are called responded to this such as PWC, Ernst & Young and KPMG. Others such as Deloitte did not for their own reasons and put off this decision.

Why do they now invest in IT services again?