So this is the most surprising analyst house purchase of the decade: Oliver Wyman is buying Celent (Jonny broke the news). On paper it’s a good move that opens more opportunities for Celent in Europe, where Wyman has a strong foundations (especially here in London). There’s little overlap in skills between the two organisations, but both have a strong base in finance, so it could work well.
Despite its roots in financial risk, Wyman is also known for parent firm Mercer’s deep roots in business transformation and leadership development, which Wyman also contains. Its impressive Delta organisational development business continues to be a leading centre of excellence on that topic.
In recent years Wyman has developed its mainstream management consulting business and, in the financial services space, continues for expertise in risk management and insurance.
Looking at Celent’s market, however, we fell the real growth opportunities are in custom consulting projects – especially in Europe – and that is Wyman’s lunch. Outside Europe, we struggle to see real growth opportunities being unlocked through this purchase. Furthermore, both sides will be to ensure that Celent is seen to retain its independence.
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