Accenture reportedly explores US$1.5b China business sale

Accenture is exploring the sale of its Greater China operations in a deal that could value the business at up to US$1.5 billion, said a report on the Financial Times (FT) reported as it cited people familiar with the matter.

The potential divestment comes as the IT consultancy reviews its business priorities amid growing investor scrutiny over how it will navigate the rise of AI. Accenture has reportedly engaged JPMorgan to conduct a strategic review of the business after receiving unsolicited interest in the unit over the past year. The Greater China operations cover mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

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The FT reported that the sale could attract private equity firms and a small number of strategic buyers. Accenture may also retain a significant minority stake to maintain continuity for clients, although there is no guarantee the review will result in a transaction.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out for comment. 

The potential sale comes against a backdrop of tighter security regulations in China, which have prompted several Western professional services firms, to scale back their operations in the market. The regulations have created challenges around separating IT systems and generating synergies across borders, the FT reported.

Meanwhile, Accenture has reportedly told investors to expect subdued revenue growth over the next two years before growth accelerates towards the end of the decade, as demand for AI-related services increases. The company has also indicated that it could exit businesses, offerings, countries and contracts that no longer meet its strategic or return thresholds, reported FT. 

Any proceeds from a potential sale could support Accenture's broader capital allocation plans. The company intends to reinvest some of the cost savings generated through its own use of AI into keeping client prices competitive and acquiring businesses that strengthen its AI service offerings, while maintaining modest debt levels and returning cash to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends.

In June this year, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reported that Accenture Song had agreed to acquire social and creator agency Whalar from Whalar Group, expanding its creator and influencer marketing capabilities. The acquisition was part of a broader push by Accenture Song to strengthen its social and creator offering, following earlier acquisitions including Superdigital in 2025 and Unlimited in 2024. 

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