Key Points
- Avanade has agreed to acquire Manchester-based Robiquity to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI), intelligent automation and low-code development capabilities in the UK.
- The agreement was announced on 10 November 2026. Completion remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
- Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
- Founded in 2016, Robiquity specialises in AI-first business solutions and Microsoft technologies, including Power Platform, Copilot and Azure.
- Robiquity has worked with organisations including EVRi, NHS Scotland, the Ministry of Justice, Virgin Media O2, WebBeds and Greater Manchester Police.
- The company’s team holds more than 200 Microsoft certifications and uses a Solution Factory model to help organisations deploy and scale AI.
- Avanade says the acquisition will strengthen its ability to help mid-market and enterprise clients improve productivity, streamline operations and identify new growth opportunities.
- Robiquity will gain access to Avanade’s international reach, industry expertise and wider Microsoft ecosystem.
- Growth Capital Partners (GCP), which invested in Robiquity in 2022, has agreed to realise its investment through the transaction.
- GCP said Robiquity had more than doubled in size during its investment partnership and highlighted its development from traditional robotic process automation into AI-led services.
- ITPro reported that 61% of UK organisations surveyed for Avanade’s AI Reality Report did not believe AI was delivering returns sufficient to justify its costs.
- Avanade and Robiquity have not announced a completion date or disclosed detailed post-acquisition integration arrangements.
Avanade has agreed to acquire Manchester-based technology specialist Robiquity in a move intended to expand its artificial intelligence, intelligent automation and low-code development capabilities in the UK. Announced on 10 November 2026, the proposed acquisition will bring Robiquity’s expertise in Microsoft technologies, including Power Platform, Copilot and Azure, into Avanade’s wider international Microsoft services business. The companies say the combination is intended to help mid-market and enterprise clients move beyond AI experimentation and apply automation to improve productivity, streamline operations and create growth opportunities. Robiquity’s existing clients include EVRi, NHS Scotland, the Ministry of Justice, Virgin Media O2, WebBeds and Greater Manchester Police. Financial terms have not been disclosed, and completion remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Why is Avanade acquiring Robiquity?
The proposed acquisition is intended to strengthen Avanade’s ability to deliver AI and automation services to organisations across the UK, particularly mid-market and enterprise customers.
As reported by Daniel Todd in ITPro on 13 November 2026, Avanade said the deal would expand its Microsoft-focused IT services capabilities and help customers turn AI investment into tangible business outcomes.
Robiquity specialises in AI-first business solutions, intelligent automation and low-code development. Its experience includes using Microsoft technologies to automate business processes and modernise organisational operations.
In its official announcement, Avanade said the acquisition would add capabilities in agentic AI, low-code development and automation delivery. These capabilities are intended to complement its existing services in Microsoft technology, cloud, data and digital transformation.
The transaction also reflects a wider challenge facing businesses: adopting AI is not the same as achieving measurable results from it. Organisations may invest in AI platforms and experimentation but still face difficulties integrating solutions into established processes, managing implementation and demonstrating commercial value.
Avanade’s stated rationale is that Robiquity’s specialist delivery experience will help it address this gap by combining technical expertise with a larger international services network.
What does Robiquity bring to Avanade’s AI and automation business?
Founded in Manchester in 2016, Robiquity has developed from a business focused on robotic process automation (RPA) into a specialist in AI-led services, intelligent automation and low-code development.
The company works with Microsoft technologies including Power Platform, Copilot and Azure. These tools can be used to build applications, automate workflows and integrate AI capabilities into business processes.
According to ITPro’s Daniel Todd, Robiquity holds more than 200 Microsoft certifications and delivers projects through a Solution Factory model. The model is designed to help organisations deploy and scale AI more consistently.
Avanade’s announcement also highlighted Robiquity’s expertise in agentic AI and automation delivery. Agentic AI refers to AI systems designed to carry out tasks through a degree of autonomous planning or action, within defined instructions and controls.
The addition of these capabilities gives Avanade access to a specialist team with experience in applying Microsoft technologies to operational challenges.
The deal is relevant to organisations examining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be incorporated into business operations, rather than treated solely as an experimental technology. The practical challenge involves identifying suitable processes, selecting appropriate tools, managing data and ensuring that automated systems deliver outcomes that can be evaluated.
Robiquity’s experience in low-code development also adds another dimension. Low-code platforms allow applications and workflows to be developed using visual tools and configurable components, potentially reducing the amount of traditional programming required for certain projects.
Which organisations have worked with Robiquity?
Robiquity has worked with a range of organisations across the public and private sectors.
Avanade’s official announcement named EVRi, NHS Scotland, the Ministry of Justice, Virgin Media O2, WebBeds and Greater Manchester Police among the company’s clients.
The list demonstrates the range of environments in which Robiquity has applied automation and Microsoft technology, including logistics, healthcare, government, telecommunications, hospitality-related services and policing.
Growth Capital Partners provided further examples in its announcement about the transaction.
GCP said Robiquity’s work with EVRi had helped free up 441,000 hours a year through automation. It also highlighted an automated case management system developed for Durham Constabulary, which GCP said was designed to improve victim safety and police efficiency.
These examples illustrate how automation projects can be applied to different operational requirements. In logistics, automated processes may help reduce administrative workloads and improve the handling of information. In policing, automated case management can support the organisation and processing of information used by officers and other teams.
The results cited by GCP are statements from Robiquity’s investor and should be understood in that context. They provide examples of the business’s reported work rather than a guarantee that every automation project will produce similar outcomes.
How will the acquisition benefit Avanade’s clients?
Avanade and Robiquity have presented the acquisition as a way to combine specialist delivery capabilities with a larger international network.
In its official announcement, Avanade said the combination would strengthen its ability to help mid-market and enterprise clients improve productivity, streamline operations and create new opportunities for growth.
The acquisition is expected to give Robiquity access to Avanade’s global reach, industry expertise and wider Microsoft ecosystem. In return, Avanade will gain additional expertise in agentic AI, low-code development and automation delivery.
Chris Howarth, chief executive of Avanade, praised Robiquity’s technical capabilities and approach to client relationships.
Howarth said: “Robiquity has built something special, a team with deep Microsoft expertise, a genuine commitment to client outcomes and a culture of continuous learning that aligns closely with our own.”
He added: “That combination of technical excellence and people-first values is exactly what our clients need as they look to move from AI ambition to real, lasting impact. We’re excited to welcome the Robiquity team to Avanade and to see what we can achieve together.”
The statement reflects Avanade’s view that the acquisition is not only about adding technology expertise but also about bringing together teams with similar approaches to client delivery and professional development.
For customers, the proposed combination could provide access to a broader range of technical resources and industry experience. However, the companies have not published detailed information about changes to individual customer contracts, service arrangements or account management following completion.
What did Robiquity’s chief executive say about joining Avanade?
Tom Davies, chief executive of Robiquity, described the agreement as a natural next step for the company.
In comments included in Avanade’s announcement and reported by ITPro’s Daniel Todd, Davies said the transaction would create opportunities for Robiquity’s clients and employees.
Davies said: “We believe Microsoft’s technology has enormous potential to help businesses transform in an increasingly AI-enabled world.”
He added: “Becoming part of Avanade will allow us to bring our expertise to more clients and markets, while building on the culture and approach that have shaped Robiquity.”
The comments underline the potential benefits Robiquity sees in joining a larger organisation with an established international presence and a substantial Microsoft services operation.
For employees, the companies have referred to opportunities to work across a wider network, access additional expertise and develop within a larger business. The detailed arrangements for integrating Robiquity’s workforce have not been publicly set out in the announcements reviewed.
What role did Growth Capital Partners play in Robiquity’s development?
Growth Capital Partners invested in Robiquity in 2022, partnering with founder Jack Rimmer, chief executive Tom Davies and the company’s leadership team.
In its announcement published on 11 November 2026, GCP said it had signed an agreement to realise its investment in Robiquity through the proposed transaction with Avanade.
GCP said its involvement had included helping the company sharpen its strategy, professionalise operations and expand its leadership team. It also supported Robiquity’s transition from traditional RPA-led automation towards AI-led services.
The investment firm said it had helped deepen Robiquity’s relationship with Microsoft, including its development as one of Microsoft’s first accredited Power Automate partners. GCP also highlighted its support for the development of a dedicated public-sector business area and Robiquity’s successful places on major NHS and Crown Commercial Service frameworks.
Alex Thomson, partner and head of the investment team at GCP, said the firm had worked with Tom Davies, Jack Rimmer and the wider Robiquity team over the preceding four years.
Thomson said: “They have built one of the UK’s most pioneering AI and automation specialists, with a culture of continuous innovation and a total focus on client outcomes.”
He added that GCP was pleased the business and its team were being recognised through Avanade’s interest.
Dan Lee, investment director at GCP, also commented on the company’s development. Lee highlighted Robiquity’s ability to adapt to changes in the technology market, including its early position in Microsoft Power Automate and its work securing places on public-sector frameworks.
GCP said Robiquity had more than doubled in size during the investment partnership.
Jack Rimmer, founder of Robiquity, said the business was established in 2016 with the aim of showing organisations what automation could achieve for their employees.
Rimmer said GCP’s backing had helped turn that ambition into a business operating at scale.
Davies also thanked GCP for its support, saying the investment firm had helped the company invest in its people and services proposition.
How has Robiquity evolved from robotic process automation to agentic AI?
Robiquity’s development reflects changes in the business automation market over the past decade.
According to TechMarketView’s report, Avanade acquires UK AI and low-code solution specialist, published on 11 November 2026, Robiquity began as an RPA-focused business working with platforms including Blue Prism and UiPath before expanding into Microsoft-centred services.
The report said the company’s current offering includes consulting, solution development, technology migration and managed services, with work focused on Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot and Azure.
Traditional RPA is generally used to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks by replicating actions that people might otherwise perform through software applications. More recent AI-enabled automation can incorporate capabilities such as natural language processing, document understanding and systems that can assist with more complex workflows.
Agentic AI represents a further development, with systems designed to perform multi-step tasks within defined boundaries and with varying degrees of autonomy.
The shift from RPA towards AI-led services is relevant to organisations considering how to modernise existing processes. It also introduces requirements around governance, security, data quality, oversight and the assessment of automated decisions.
The proposed acquisition gives Avanade access to a business that has developed its services alongside these changes in enterprise technology.
What does Avanade’s existing Microsoft network add to the deal?
Avanade was founded by Microsoft and Accenture and focuses on Microsoft-based technology services.
In its announcement, the company described itself as the world’s leading Microsoft expert and said it helps more than 7,000 organisations modernise securely and scale AI using Microsoft technology.
Avanade also stated that, together with Accenture, it has access to 60,000 Microsoft professionals worldwide and 165,000 certifications. The company highlighted its position as Microsoft’s Client Zero, referring to its use of Microsoft technologies within its own operations and services.
These resources provide the wider business context for the Robiquity transaction.
Robiquity brings specialist experience in AI-first solutions, automation and low-code development, while Avanade offers a larger international workforce and an established client base.
The combination is intended to help Avanade extend its ability to support organisations with technology implementation across different industries and markets.
The acquisition is also relevant to the broader IT and Computer Science field, where enterprise technology increasingly involves the integration of software development, cloud infrastructure, data platforms, cybersecurity and automated processes.
Why are businesses struggling to achieve returns from AI investment?
The acquisition comes amid continuing questions about whether organisations are achieving sufficient returns from their AI investments.
ITPro’s Daniel Todd reported that Avanade’s recent AI Reality Report found that 61% of UK organisations surveyed did not believe AI was currently delivering returns that justified the costs.
The finding highlights a gap between investment in AI technology and the results organisations expect to achieve.
Businesses may face challenges when moving from pilot projects to organisation-wide deployment. These can include integrating AI with existing systems, preparing data, managing security and compliance, training employees and changing established working practices.
The cost of technology is another consideration. Organisations must assess not only the initial investment but also the continuing costs of infrastructure, licensing, implementation, maintenance and oversight.
Robiquity’s automation and low-code experience may be relevant to these challenges because it focuses on applying technology to specific business processes.
However, the acquisition itself does not establish that AI investments will automatically produce a positive return. Results will depend on the suitability of the technology, the quality of implementation and the business outcomes being measured.
What does the acquisition mean for Robiquity’s employees and customers?
Both companies have described the agreement as an opportunity for Robiquity’s employees and clients.
In its announcement, Robiquity said joining Avanade would give its employees access to a larger global organisation, a wider Microsoft network and opportunities to work with additional clients and markets.
The company also said existing customers would have the opportunity to access a broader range of expertise and resources while continuing to build on the relationships and approach developed by Robiquity.
However, the announcement did not provide a detailed integration timetable or specify whether there would be changes to Robiquity’s existing service arrangements.
Until completion, Robiquity said it would continue operating as usual, with its teams focused on delivering services to clients and partners.
For customers, the immediate point is that the transaction remains subject to the required closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Any changes to service delivery, account structures or contractual arrangements would need to be communicated by the companies.
Has Avanade completed the acquisition, and what are the financial terms?
No completion has been confirmed in the announcements reviewed. Avanade has agreed to acquire Robiquity, but the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Avanade’s official announcement did not disclose the financial terms. ITPro, ChannelWeb and Growth Capital Partners also reported that the transaction’s value had not been made public.
GCP’s announcement confirmed that the investment firm had signed an agreement to realise its investment in Robiquity through the transaction.
The companies have not announced a final completion date or published detailed information about the financial structure of the deal.
Until the transaction is completed, Robiquity remains focused on its existing operations and customer commitments, according to its announcement.
What does the Robiquity deal indicate about the AI services market?
The proposed acquisition adds to the wider activity among technology services businesses seeking specialist expertise in AI, automation and Microsoft platforms.
Simon Quicke, editor of Microscope, reported on 12 November 2026 that Avanade’s move was part of a wider pattern of mergers and acquisitions involving businesses seeking to strengthen their technical capabilities and expand their customer bases.
Quicke reported that the Robiquity deal would add AI and automation expertise to Avanade’s offering for mid-market and enterprise customers. He also noted that the financial terms had not been disclosed.
ChannelWeb’s Anna Wood, reporting on 11 November 2026, placed the acquisition in the context of Avanade’s wider investment in AI specialists. Her report referred to the company’s focus on developing AI agents and agentic solutions alongside customers, as well as the launch of Frontier Studios, an AI transformation model designed to accelerate adoption.
These reports indicate that the transaction is part of a wider effort by technology services providers to build capabilities in areas where customers are seeking practical applications of AI.
For Avanade, the acquisition adds a Manchester-based specialist with a track record in Microsoft automation and low-code development. For Robiquity, it offers access to a much larger international services network.
The longer-term impact will depend on the completion of the transaction, the integration of the teams and the ability of the combined business to deliver measurable results for clients.
For now, the agreement marks a proposed change in ownership and a strategic expansion of Avanade’s AI and automation capabilities, rather than a completed acquisition.