KPMG has acquired leading urban planning, economics and applied research consultancy Future Analytics Consulting for an undisclosed sum.
Founded by Prof. Billy Hynes and Stephen Purcell in 2010, Future Analytics provides services to the state, semi-state, private sector and European Commission in the areas of planning and economic consultancy.
KPMG said Future Analytics’ staff of 27 will be fully integrated within KPMG, and that Hynes and Purcell will lead the new KPMG Future Analytics unit.
Future Analytics has consulted on a wide range of projects in Ireland, the UK and in Europe, including the Dublin City Council Housing Strategy 2016–2022; Greater Dublin Drainage Project for Irish Water; A New Vision for Temple Bar for Temple Bar Cultural Trust; coordination of the European Commission’s Realising European Resilience for Critical Infrastructure project; and the European Commission Securing Health Emergency Planning project.
KPMG collaborated with Future Analytics recently on the Economic Analysis of Productivity in the Construction Sector report, commissioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In Association with
The consultancy also has a strong background in supporting clients in the real estate sector with development feasibility, securing planning consent, housing strategies, stakeholder consultation and providing information dashboards to support decision making.
Seamus Hand, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland, commented: “Our rationale for this acquisition was to pool the dynamism, innovation and extensive experience of William, Stephen and the Future Analytics team with the expertise of our existing Deal Advisory practice, offering greater depth of research and analysis to the combined KPMG and Future Analytics client base.
“We believe the ability to access the highest level of data insights is key to the investment decision making process in both the public and private sectors, leading to better choices and outcomes across the board.”
Michele Connolly, KPMG's Head of Corporate Finance and EMA Head of KPMG Global Infrastructure, added: “Decision makers are under significant pressure to get it right in an incredibly different and fast changing world. Our public and private sector clients recognise the value our insights provide at board level and beyond. I’m really looking forward to working with our new colleagues to provide highly nimble, pragmatic, results-based solutions to our existing and new clients.”
Future Analytics Consulting Ltd was owned 75% by Billy Hynes and 25% by Stephen Purcell. The company had net worth of €440,000 at the end of 2019, with €148,000 work in progress and €400,000 debtors in the balance sheet. Liabilities amounted to €330,000.
Three directors shred €361,000 in salaries and €24,000 in pension payments, and the two shareholders drew down dividends of €60,000.
The vendors were advised on the deal by Dillon Eustace lawyers Philip Lea, Lorcan Tiernan, John Doyle and David Lawless. “We cannot thank them enough for their brilliant service, support and patience,” said Hynes.
Photo (l-r): Michele Connolly, Billy Hynes, Stephen Purcell and Seamus Hand.
