New Delhi: Cognizant has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Microsoft Azure-focused consultancy 3Cloud, underscoring its push to expand enterprise AI readiness and cloud transformation services. The companies announced the deal on Friday. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
The acquisition comes as enterprises accelerate cloud modernisation to support AI-driven operations. Chicago-based 3Cloud is one of the largest independent Azure partners globally, with capabilities spanning data and AI, application modernisation and cloud engineering. The firm works with large clients across BFSI, healthcare, technology and consumer industries and has maintained around 20% organic CAGR since 2020, reflecting steady demand for Azure-led transformation.
Cognizant said the deal will enhance its Azure portfolio and improve its ability to support enterprises preparing to scale AI workloads. The acquisition will add more than 1,000 Azure specialists, over 1,500 Microsoft certifications and nearly 1,200 3Cloud employees about 700 of them in the US to Cognizant’s global workforce. The company currently has nearly 20,000 Azure-certified associates.
Both companies said the combined capabilities will strengthen support for cloud engineering, modernisation and AI-focused deployments. Microsoft noted that the expanded partnership will create a more capable Azure ecosystem player, particularly in advanced analytics and cloud-native AI development.
Founded by former Microsoft executives, 3Cloud has earned multiple Partner of the Year recognitions across data, AI, healthcare, migration and app modernisation categories. It is also an Elite Databricks partner. The acquisition is expected to increase Cognizant’s influence on Azure consumption globally, further deepening its long-standing collaboration with Microsoft.
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