IBM acquires Vivant Digital to boost digital transformation capabilities

IBM has acquired Australian boutique agency, Vivant Digital, as part of an extension to the strategy and design expertise of IBM iX.

With close to a decade of innovation consultancy experience, Vivant uses insights from behavioural science, data and technology to assist Australian startups and corporates, primarily in the financial services and distribution industries. 

“Australian companies are looking to disrupt the market and seek out new business models, but need the assurance behind the creative thinking on digital projects," IBM managing partner for global business services A/NZ, Dee McGrath, said. "This acquisition blends industry expertise, technology and experience design, underpinned by business accountability. We believe IBM iX brings a unique offering for this market.” 

CEO and founder of Vivant, Anthony Farah, will be appointed as IBM A/NZ digital strategy and iX Leader, and his team will join the IBM iX team to create consumer-grade experiences for Australian clients.

Together, IBM said iX and Vivant, based in Sydney and Melbourne, will address the growing need of clients seeking transformation though innovative digital business models and enhanced customer experiences.

“This is an exciting direction for Vivant clients and employees," Farah said. "We now have scale and greater opportunity to address the growing needs of CEOs and innovation leaders willing to disrupt the market by seeking out new business models. We see it as converging the best of big with the best of small."

This adds to a series of IBM acquisitions has made during 2016 as it rapidly expands its iX global capabilities. 

“Customer experience is a critical element as our clients develop their business strategy,” IBM iX global leader, Paul Papas, said. “IBM shares a similar design, consulting and management philosophy with Vivant and our combined teams will raise the bar for experience-led, design driven, digital reinvention.”

The acquisition is expected to close in the final quarter of 2017 subject to applicable regulatory review and customary closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed. 

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