Key Stats
Accenture plc is a global management consulting and professional services company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company provides strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations services to clients across more than 120 countries worldwide.
Accenture serves clients in communications, media, technology, financial services, healthcare, and public service sectors. The company ranks among the world’s largest consulting firms by revenue and employee count. Its Fortune Global 500 clients rely on the firm for digital transformation, cloud migration, and artificial intelligence implementation.
The company traces its origins to 1951 when it operated as the consulting division of accounting firm Arthur Andersen. Today, Accenture operates with nearly 779,000 employees and generated $69.67 billion in fiscal year 2025 revenue.
Accenture History
Joseph Glickauf unveils the “Glickiac” computer at Arthur Andersen, convincing partners to invest in emerging technology consulting.
Arthur Andersen installs the first commercial computer system at General Electric’s Appliance Park facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
The firm designs and installs a payment system for Bank of America that becomes the backbone for BankAmericard, later renamed VISA.
The consulting division adopts the Andersen Consulting name, marking its distinct identity within Andersen Worldwide.
Andersen Consulting becomes a separate unit from Arthur Andersen within Andersen Worldwide Société Coopérative.
Accenture and Microsoft create Avanade, a joint venture helping clients optimize Microsoft investments.
Andersen Consulting adopts the name “Accenture” and launches its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $1.7 billion.
Accenture launches its digital businesses including Accenture Interactive and moves headquarters from Bermuda to Dublin.
Accenture and Amazon Web Services create a business group to help clients migrate to cloud infrastructure.
Julie Sweet becomes CEO, the first woman to lead the company. She also becomes chair in September 2021.
Accenture launches the Metaverse Continuum business group to help clients navigate virtual reality technologies.
The company restructures into a unified “Reinvention Services” unit combining Strategy, Consulting, Song, and Operations.
Accenture Co-founders
Known as the father of computer consulting. He led Arthur Andersen’s technology division and pioneered commercial computer applications for business.
Founded the accounting firm in 1913 that eventually spawned the consulting practice. He established high standards for the accounting profession.
Co-founded the original accounting firm with Arthur Andersen in 1913. The firm was initially named Andersen, DeLany and Co.
Danish employee who submitted the winning name “Accenture” through an internal competition. The name means “accent on the future.”
Accenture Competitors
Accenture competes with major consulting firms and technology service providers across multiple sectors. The professional services market features intense competition in strategy consulting, digital transformation, and technology implementation.
Primary competitors include the Big Four accounting firms with their consulting arms, Indian IT services giants, and specialized technology consultancies. These firms compete for Fortune 500 clients seeking comprehensive business transformation services similar to those provided by IBM and other technology leaders.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Services |
|---|---|---|
| Deloitte | London, UK | Audit, Tax, Consulting, Advisory |
| IBM Consulting | Armonk, USA | Technology, Cloud, AI Services |
| Tata Consultancy Services | Mumbai, India | IT Services, Digital Solutions |
| Infosys | Bangalore, India | Consulting, Technology, Outsourcing |
| Capgemini | Paris, France | Consulting, Technology, Outsourcing |
| Cognizant | Teaneck, USA | IT Services, Digital Transformation |
| PwC | London, UK | Audit, Tax, Advisory |
| EY | London, UK | Assurance, Tax, Advisory |
| KPMG | Amstelveen, Netherlands | Audit, Tax, Advisory |
| Wipro | Bangalore, India | IT Services, Consulting |
Accenture Acquisitions
Accenture maintains an aggressive acquisition strategy to expand capabilities and market presence. The company has completed more than 350 acquisitions since separating from Arthur Andersen. Peak acquisition years include 2021 with 57 acquisitions, 2023 with 31, and 2024 with 30 completed deals.
The firm spent $3.4 billion on 38 acquisitions in 2022 and $4.2 billion on 46 acquisitions in 2021. Acquisition activity spans 33 countries with concentrated activity in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. Key sectors include IT services, management consulting, and marketing services.
Notable recent acquisitions include Udacity for learning services, Partners in Performance for strategy consulting, and multiple cloud and AI-focused firms. In 2025, Accenture acquired iamconcepts for cybersecurity, Aidemy for AI training services, and announced intent to acquire Orlade Group for capital projects consulting. The firm continues investing in capabilities for digital transformation, helping clients leverage technologies from partners like Google and Oracle.
The acquisition of umlaut in 2021 strengthened engineering consulting capabilities. Novetta enhanced advanced analytics for defense and intelligence clients. The firm also acquired Infinity Works to expand cloud delivery capabilities in the UK market.
Accenture Marketcap
Accenture trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ACN. The company’s market capitalization reached approximately $156 billion as of November 2025, placing it among the 120 most valuable public companies globally.
Since its 2001 IPO at $14.50 per share, Accenture’s market value grew from $13.9 billion to current levels. The company generated total returns of approximately 370% between 2015 and 2024.
Accenture Revenue
Accenture achieved annual revenue of $69.67 billion in fiscal year 2025, representing 7.36% growth compared to the prior year. The company doubled its revenue over the past decade from $34.8 billion in 2016.
North America generates approximately half of total revenue, followed by Europe and Growth Markets regions. The company serves more than 9,000 clients including three-quarters of Fortune Global 500 companies.
FAQs
Who founded Accenture?
Accenture evolved from Arthur Andersen’s consulting division. Joseph Glickauf pioneered the technology consulting practice in 1951. The company became independent in 2001 after separating from Andersen Worldwide.
Where is Accenture headquarters located?
Accenture plc is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The company moved from Bermuda to Dublin in 2009. It maintains offices in more than 200 cities across 120 countries worldwide.
What does Accenture name mean?
The name Accenture means “accent on the future.” Danish employee Kim Petersen submitted the winning name through an internal competition in 2000 when the company separated from Andersen Consulting.
Who is the current CEO of Accenture?
Julie Sweet serves as Chair and CEO of Accenture. She became CEO in September 2019 and assumed the chair position in September 2021. She was previously CEO of Accenture North America.
How many employees does Accenture have?
Accenture employs approximately 779,000 people worldwide as of 2025. The company operates across more than 120 countries and serves thousands of clients including most Fortune Global 500 companies.
