Advania strengthens its AI position through mergers and acquisitions

Advania has recently made a strategic move by acquiring The AI Framework, a consultancy specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), in order to enhance its capabilities and support customers seeking to implement AI technology. Mergers and acquisitions are common in the channel industry, driven by the need to quickly gain expertise, and Advania’s decision to acquire The AI Framework is no exception.

The increasing prominence of AI in customer discussions has made it essential for channel players like Advania to demonstrate knowledge and leadership in this area. The AI Framework, founded by Errol Norlum, is known for assisting customers in various sectors like retail, telecoms, finance, and enterprises in integrating AI into their digital transformation strategies. Norlum’s firm has earned a reputation for its ability to help organizations navigate AI adoption from the initial strategy phase to full-scale implementation, always with an emphasis on achieving tangible business value.

Henrik Foyn-Laukvik, head of M&A at Advania, highlighted that the acquisition aligns with their belief that successful AI transformation starts with a solid strategy, not just tools. By bringing The AI Framework on board, Advania aims to strengthen its position as a leading provider of AI expertise in Northern Europe. The company envisions creating a unique AI-focused IT services entity in the region, focusing on infrastructure sovereignty and offering comprehensive advisory and implementation services.

Hege Störe, CEO of Advania, emphasized their commitment to people, including employees, clients, and communities, as they strive to become a centralized platform for customers to access and manage various AI services, models, tools, and platforms. The acquisition of The AI Framework will enable Advania to expand its range of AI consultancy services, subscription-based options, compliance support, and an AI Academy providing training programs for upskilling staff.

Errol Norlum stressed the importance of AI supporting business objectives rather than being an end in itself. The partnership with Advania will allow them to scale their impact, focusing on strategic, value-driven AI implementation. Over the past few years, Advania has used M&A activities to deepen expertise and expand its geographic reach, with a particular focus on establishing a strong presence in the UK. Recent acquisitions like CCS Media and Servium have significantly contributed to Advania’s UK operations, driving revenue growth and enhancing the firm’s service offerings in infrastructure, cloud transformation, AI, and managed services.

Geoff Kneen, CEO of Advania UK, expressed optimism about the impact of The AI Framework acquisition on their operations in the UK and wider Europe. The deal represents a strategic move to enhance Advania’s leadership in AI across various regions, delivering proven expertise in strategic AI implementation to clients. By combining The AI Framework’s capabilities with their own services in AI, cloud, and infrastructure, Advania aims to offer UK organizations a smarter and faster path to AI transformation, focusing on measurable, responsible, and business-centric outcomes.