News broke this week that global IT software and services firm NTT Data is acquiring Charlotte, NC-based Carlisle & Gallagher Consulting Group. Like an onion, this is one of those deals that has many layers—but will they add up to a successful marriage?
NTT Data, the IT platform and services spin-off of Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation, has burgeoned into a $16 billion global business, focusing on the more heavily-regulated industry lines. Despite this success, NTT Data has struggled to break into the US banking market, in part because US regulations strongly favor native technology platforms for banks. But another stumbling block for NTT Data has been that its advisory services in the banking space have been on the thin side – governance, process efficiency & realignment, etc. – and have been heavily reliant on NTT Data software products and tools.