ANS today announces the acquisition of Sci-Net Business Solutions (Sci-Net), an Oxford-based business solutions specialist that combines world-class customer service with cutting-edge solutions. This follows ANS’s September 2025 acquisition of data engineering consultancy Makutu, further strengthening its artificial intelligence (AI) readiness offering.
The deal, supported financially by Inflexion and Barings, brings Sci-Net’s 65-strong technology consultants, cloud specialists, and developers into ANS. This expands its ability to upgrade businesses’ digital infrastructure through Microsoft solutions, targeting a diverse range of sectors, including retail, e-commerce, and wholesale and distribution.
With 25 years in business, Sci-Net is recognised for its deep expertise in delivering ERP, CRM, and cloud infrastructure solutions, such as 365 Business Central, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, CRM, and Microsoft Azure. The company has built up a strong set of certifications in key sectors, including recognition as a Supply Member of the British Furniture Association for its advanced retail software solutions, demonstrative of its sector-leading capabilities.
As a Microsoft Gold Partner, Sci-Net boasts a diverse, experience-led Microsoft portfolio that complements ANS’s long-standing strategic partnership with the global technology giant. Recognised as Microsoft Services Partner of the Year 2024, with two Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals and more than 100 certified Microsoft specialists in its team, ANS provides customers with enhanced access to funding and technical resources.
By acquiring Sci-Net, alongside Makutu in September of this year and Dynamics 365 specialist Preact in 2022, ANS continues to expand the depth and breadth of expertise available to its customers. Through this growth, ANS is able to empower organisations of all sizes with the knowledge and tools they need to harness data and AI responsibly.
With more than 675 technology specialists and business experts at ANS, Sci-Net is joining an established industry leader with a national sales network and a wide client base. Integrating itself into the ANS team gives Sci-Net the opportunity to boost its specialist skills, drive innovation, and facilitate growth.
Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS, said, “Our acquisition of Sci-Net is our latest milestone in a strategy that combines strong organic growth with selective M&A activity. 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, commented, “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. Together, we’re looking forward to delivering even greater value to our customers and driving innovation and AI across the Microsoft ecosystem.”