Capita buys Edinburgh data analytics firm Barrachd

The acquisition of Barrachd, for an undisclosed sum, came less than a month after Capita bought fellow Edinburgh company Sigma Seven, a digital mapping specialist.

Barrachd, which means “more” in Gaelic, employs 38 people and is an IBM business analytics partner that develops software to help customers track issues such as resource management and financial forecasting.

Managing director Clark Wilson, along with business analytics director Robbie Crawford and sales director Grant Smith, will remain with the business, which was founded in 2007 and is based at Edinburgh Park. The firm also has an office in London.

Capita chief executive Andy Parker said: “Our clients in both the private and public sector are increasingly looking at how they can benefit from analytical technology, both to enhance their customer service but also to explore new markets and opportunities for growth.

“Barrachd has a great record of working with companies to detect, gather and monitor business critical information, helping them to identify problems and solve issues.”

Both Barrachd and Sigma Seven will form part of the FTSE 100 group’s digital and software solutions unit, which also includes G2G3, the Lasswade company acquired in 2013 that uses “game thinking” for training employees.

Parker added: “We have made a significant investment in our digital expertise in recent years, and we have a proud record of helping organisations adapt and meet the challenges of the digital age. Our investment in Barrachd further outlines our commitment and aspirations to deliver even greater value to our clients and their customers.”

On Wednesday, Capita announced the purchase of property consultancy business GL Hearn – which has office in Glasgow, London, Manchester and Southampton – in a deal worth up to £30m.