Capgemini announced on 9 May that it has signed an agreement to acquire Multibook's global SAP services business. Multibook, a Japan-based software specialist, operates its SAP services business primarily in Japan and across Southeast Asia, along with a subsidiary in the US. The transaction is expected to close in coming weeks, subject to regulatory approval.

The size of the deal has not been disclosed, but it is expected to help Capgemini broaden its reach across Southeast Asia, including expanding its presence in Thailand where Multibook currently has much more substantial operations than Capgemini. Olaf Pietschner, CEO of Capgemini in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, said:

“By pairing Capgemini’s global expertise with the talent and insight of Multibook’s SAP business, which works exclusively with SAP related technologies in Japan and South East Asia, this acquisition will strengthen our ability to help clients accelerate their transformation to run their entire business in the cloud with the next generation Intelligent SAP Solutions. Their extensive expertise and knowledge will further deepen our networks and capabilities to meet the anticipated growth in demand for SAP and cloud services in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand, and we are delighted to welcome them to the team.”

Multibook's SAP business segment employs about 80 people, all of whom will most likely transfer to Capgemini along with the business. Multibook CEO Tadaaki Murayama is also expected to join Capgemini as part of the acquisitition.

Murayama said: “Joining Capgemini marks an exciting new step for me and my team and is a recognition of the value we have created with SAP for our clients. Being part of Capgemini, will enable us to offer our clients the appropriate scale to transform globally, as well as new growth and career opportunities for our people.”