Reunert’s iqbusiness is on the hunt for its next bite in the tech sector, having just sealed the Silversoft deal last week. CEO Rob Godlonton told reporters the company’s “active pipeline” now spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud services, operational technology and niche industry‑specific solutions. The acquisition of Silversoft – a two‑decade‑old firm with more than 300 clients across consulting, architecture, engineering, legal and creative fields – gives iqbusiness an immediate foothold in the ERP and professional‑services‑automation market as Deltek’s platinum regional partner.
The Silversoft purchase, announced alongside Reunert’s interim results, is just the first step in what Godlonton describes as a “significant consolidation phase” for specialist technology services. “We’re targeting entrepreneurial businesses that have strong leadership, differentiated capabilities and a cultural fit,” he explained, adding that retained leadership teams will stay at the helm rather than being absorbed into a rigid corporate hierarchy.
Key take‑aways from the Silversoft acquisition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company age | 20 years |
| Client base | 300+ organisations (consulting, architecture, engineering, legal, creative) |
| Geographic reach | South Africa, United Kingdom, Middle East |
| Strategic role | Deltek platinum regional partner; entry into ERP & professional services automation |
The table shows how Silversoft’s established client roster and regional spread instantly broaden iqbusiness’s service offering, positioning it as a credible player in the high‑growth ERP niche.
Godlonton flagged that the Silversoft deal is “only one step in a much broader growth strategy”. He believes organisations are increasingly looking for “integrated partners capable of delivering both strategic advisory and technology execution”, a trend that fuels iqbusiness’s ambition to become a consolidator of specialist tech outfits. The pipeline focus areas he named – AI and data services, cybersecurity, cloud and digital platforms, operational technology platforms, and industry‑specialised technology businesses – map directly onto the most in‑demand digital capabilities across South African and global markets.
Pipeline focus areas
| Sector | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| AI & Data Services | Drives predictive analytics and automation for enterprises |
| Cybersecurity | Addresses rising threat landscape and regulatory pressure |
| Cloud & Digital Platforms | Enables scalable, remote‑first operations |
| Operational Technology (OT) | Bridges legacy industrial systems with modern IoT solutions |
| Industry‑Specific Tech | Tailors software to niche sectors such as mining, finance, healthcare |
This breakdown underlines iqbusiness’s intent to cover the full spectrum of digital transformation, from protecting data to modernising plant floors. By targeting these five pillars, the company aims to capture a larger slice of the technology spend that South African firms are allocating to stay competitive.
For Reunert, the parent of iqbusiness, the move is a clear signal of an increasingly assertive ICT growth strategy. The 138‑year‑old JSE‑listed industrial group, founded in 1888, has long diversified into electrical engineering, ICT and applied electronics. Today, the iqbusiness expansion adds a new international dimension to its African footprint, with plans to “accelerate international growth” into the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia‑Pacific region.
Jacques du Buisson, co‑founder and CEO of Silversoft, will remain at the helm of the business under iqbusiness’s umbrella. He also serves as co‑chair of the Deltek Partner Advisory Council, ensuring continuity for existing clients while the new ownership explores cross‑sell opportunities across Reunert’s broader portfolio.
Strategic implications for the market
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Consolidation | iqbusiness’s aggressive M&A push could trigger a wave of mergers among mid‑size tech firms. |
| Competitive edge | Access to Silversoft’s ERP expertise strengthens iqbusiness’s value proposition to large enterprises. |
| International reach | The UK and Middle‑East presence opens doors for cross‑border projects and talent acquisition. |
| Leadership continuity | Retaining entrepreneurial CEOs, like du Buisson, preserves client relationships and innovation culture. |
The table highlights how each element of the strategy could reshape the South African tech services landscape, offering smaller players both a threat of being absorbed and the possibility of partnership with a larger, well‑funded entity.
While exact deal sizes, the split between domestic and foreign targets, and timelines remain under wraps, the message is clear: iqbusiness is positioning itself as a one‑stop shop for organisations that want both strategic counsel and hands‑on technology delivery. As digital transformation budgets swell across the continent, the firm’s consolidation play may well set the tone for the next phase of growth in South Africa’s ICT sector.