Digital transformation specialist ANS has acquired Sci-Net Business Solutions, an Oxford-based Microsoft business solutions partner known for its ERP, CRM and cloud infrastructure expertise.
The deal, supported financially by Inflexion and Barings, adds Sci-Net’s 65 consultants, cloud specialists and developers to the Manchester-based firm.
It will expand the company’s capacity to deliver Microsoft-based digital infrastructure upgrades across sectors including retail, e-commerce, and wholesale and distribution.
Oxfordshire-headquartered Sci-Net, which has been operating for 25 years, is recognised for its implementation of Microsoft Dynamics NAV, 365 Business Central, CRM and Microsoft Azure solutions.
Meanwhile, ANS was named Microsoft Services Partner of the Year 2024 and employs more than 100 certified Microsoft specialists, including two Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals.
The acquisition follows its purchase of data engineering consultancy Makutu in September 2025 and Dynamics 365 specialist Preact in 2022, as the company continues to expand its expertise across cloud, data and AI transformation.
“Our acquisition of Sci-Net is our latest milestone in a strategy that combines strong organic growth with selective M&A activity,” said Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS.
“Sci-Net’s Business Central expertise will further expand our already strong Microsoft offering.
“Making understanding customers’ problems the first step to any solution, Sci-Net’s approach aligns with our own ambitions to get all UK businesses ready for AI.
“Our consolidation of some of the sector’s leading Microsoft-focused digital transformation partners puts us in the strongest position to equip organisations across the UK for an AI-enabled future.”
Duncan Fergusson, managing director at Sci-Net, added: “Sci-Net is entering an exciting new chapter with ANS – one that significantly expands our capabilities and allows us to offer a broader range of services to our customers.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything Sci-Net has achieved over the past 25 years. From the outset of our conversations with ANS, it was clear that our values, especially our commitment to our people and customer success, were closely aligned.
“Our experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central complements ANS’s wider Microsoft portfolio, making this a natural and powerful fit.”
The deal increases ANS’s headcount to more than 675 technology and business specialists nationwide as it looks to grow its AI capabilities.