Mergers and acquisitions to be IT’s next growth play

As aI reshapes the global IT services industry, acquisitions are emerging as the fastest route to growth. With enterprises tightening discretionary technology spending and AI reducing demand for people-intensive services, companies are increasingly buying specialised capabilities instead of building them organically.

Global consulting giant Accenture’s decision to raise its acquisition budget for FY26 to about $9 billion from an earlier target of $5 billion reflects that shift. The company expects deals already announced to contribute nearly 2% of its FY27 revenue, underscoring the growing role of inorganic growth in its business model.