Advania says it wants to become an “AI services provider”, as it made good on its pledge to make an AI-focused acquisition.
The Northern European VAR-MSP powerhouse today announced it has acquired The AI Framework, a Stockholm-based AI consultancy which “guides complex organisations through AI-driven transformation”.
Talking to IT Channel Oxygen last November following its double swoop on Servium and CCS Media, Advania UK CEO Geoff Kneen hinted at a possible AI acquisition.
“We’re always innovating internally around AI and data. But if we saw the right acquisition opportunity in those spaces next year, then we’d look to acquire,” he said at the time.
In a statement, Kneen said today’s deal will help Advania in its mission to lead on AI not just in the Nordics, but across the UK and wider Europe.
The AI Framework is led by former H&M AI chief and “recognised AI thought leader” Errol Norlum.
It has a track record of helping retailers, telecoms, financial institutions and others navigate complex AI and digital transformation challenges, Advania claimed.
“The AI Framework has a clear track record of delivering AI that works in the real world by being measurable, responsible, and business-led,” Kneen stated.
“We are excited to combine their deep capabilities with our own AI, cloud and infrastructure services to give UK organisations a smarter, faster route to AI transformation with none of the hype, and all of the impact.”
“We are building something unprecedented in Northern Europe”
Advania – which turned over £1.2bn last year – characterised the deal as a shot in the arm for its “strategic transformation into a leading, comprehensive AI services provider in Northern Europe”, meanwhile.
“We are building something unprecedented in Northern Europe – a true AI-focused IT services company that combines infrastructure sovereignty with comprehensive advisory and implementation capabilities,” said Advania CEO Hege Störe.
“Our vision is to serve as a unified interface for customers to access and manage multiple AI services, models, tools, and platforms. And as always, we’re doing it the Advania way: with a deep commitment to people- our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve.”
