Accenture said Gerge Group's client list includes Fortune 500 companies and government organisations and has clients in 54 countries.

The acquisition will enhance Accenture's ability to help clients become high-performance businesses through the addition of George Group's specialised expertise in process improvement techniques including Lean Six Sigma, an are in which it is regarded as an undisputed leader

George Group's consulting specialisation within process improvements include its properitory Fast Innovation, which provides companies with methods and processes to accelerate and sustain innovation, and Conquering Complexity, that helps companies measure and reduce the impact of complexity within their organisations -. another area in which its deployment strategies are considered an recognised authority

Following the acquisition, all of George Group's approximately 250 employees are expected to transition to Accenture, which is also recruiting aggressively to meet rapidly growing client demand for process-improvement solutions.

Mark Foster, Accenture's group chief executive, management consulting and integrated markets, said, "We have identified the areas of process excellence and next-generation process re-engineering as important elements of our plan for growth, and the addition of George Group's talented professionals, specialised techniques and expertise, and thought leadership will significantly expand our capabilities in these areas.

"The acquisition is a great strategic fit for both parties and reflects our commitment to grow our management consulting practice and build our expertise in this vital sector."

James Works, president and CEO of George Group, said, "This is an ideal fit for our clients and consultants. Joining forces with Accenture allows us to extend and deliver our unique and differentiated capabilities to an even broader market, enabling us to offer our clients a full complement of consulting services, industry knowledge and expertise."

The acquisition is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals and is expected to close within 60 days.

The firm's proprietary Fast Innovation approach provides clients with the strategic and operational framework and tools to accelerate innovation and drive sustained organic growth. George Group is also the in the development and deployment of strategies for Conquering Complexity of product and service offerings.

George Group is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with teams of consultants based locally around the world to provide services to clients in more than 54 countries.