M&A: West Monroe Acquires Energy Transition, Decarbonization Consultancy 2050 Partners

West Monroe, backed by BDT & MSD Partners, has acquired energy transition consultancy 2050 Partners. The deal reinforces the convergence of IT services, business consulting and decarbonization strategies. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

West Monroe, founded in 2002, is based in Chicago, Illinois. The business and technology consulting firm specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), merger & acquisition (M&A) execution, and workforce automation. Key IT services include cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering and more. The comopany had 2,074 employees listed on LinkedIn as of September 2025.

2050 Partners, founded in 2016, is based in Orinda, California. The company works with utilities, government agencies, national laboratories, foundations, consulting firms and nonprofits to "overcome unique challenges while achieving their climate and energy goals," according to 2050 Partners' LinkedIn page. The company had 42 employees listed on LinkedIn as of September 2025.

2050 Partners Acquired: Energy Transition Consulting Strategy

The entire 2050 Partners team, including CEO Alex Chase, will join West Monroe's Energy & Utilities practice, the buyer said. The combined teams—overseen by West Monroe's Energy & Utilities Industry Lead Dan Belmont—will "help utilities address rising energy costs, manage load growth from AI and electrification, and meet aggressive decarbonization goals," the buyer added.

In a prepared statement about the deal, West Monroe CEO Gil Mermelstein said: "As AI and electrification accelerate energy demand, utilities must modernize infrastructure while also curbing usage on the customer side of the meter. 2050 Partners brings the energy efficiency and regulatory depth that complements our strengths in grid modernization, technology, and utility operations—allowing us to deliver even more integrated solutions that utilities need to act on today."

Mermelstein succeeded West Monroe co-founder Kevin McCarty as CEO in July 2025.

The buyer has extensive M&A experience. The consulting firm previously acquired Inspired Health, Waterstone Management Group, CAST Management Consultants, 71 & Change, Carbon Five, Verys, Two Six Capital, Pace Harmon and more.

West Monroe and MSD Partners: How Michael Dell Fits In

BDT & MSD Partners owns roughly 50% of West Monroe. MSD Partners was formed in 2009 by the partners of MSD Capital, L.P., which is the family investment office for Michael Dell, the founder & CEO of Dell Technologies. BDT & MSD Partners was established in 2023 through the combination of BDT & Company and MSD Partners. 

Meanwhile, M&A activity across the sustainable IT services market remains steady -- though deal valuations are rarely disclosed.