Nearform to acquire Seattle-based Formidable to expand global software services

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Waterford-based NearForm has acquired US design and engineering company Formidable as it seeks to expand its global software services.

As part of the deal, Formidable chief executive Ryan Roemer will join NearForm’s executive leadership team.

Ciarán Cosgrave, Nearform chief executive, said:

Bringing NearForm and Formidable together felt like a natural fit from the start. We share a common heritage in the craft of design and engineering and a firm belief in the power of code to be a force for good and deliver enduring positive outcomes for our people, our clients and our communities.

NearForm founder Cian O’Maidin, added:

NearForm joining forces with Formidable brings two pioneers of the open source web platform together to make a professional services powerhouse – we’re so excited for what happens next.

NearForm is a team of engineers, designers and strategists who build digital capability and software solutions for enterprises. Formidable, founded in Seattle, boasts over a decade of experience in delivering a wide range of professional software engineering services, including design, digital transformation, product delivery, cloud migration, and developer training.

Formidable’s robust client base – including Puma, Lululemon, Starbucks, and Walmart – and significant US-based presence neatly dovetails the existing NearForm business structure and service offering, supporting a smooth integration for both teams. Formidable brings complementary technical capabilities to NearForm’s portfolio of expertise, whilst providing a springboard for growth into key sectors like retail/ecommerce.

Alongside Formidable, NearForm will continue to define, design and build platforms and future-ready products that modernise organisations and connect communities. Together, by enhancing its client offering, NearForm and Formidable will further champion engineering excellence and technical expertise, generating new opportunities to attract and nurture exceptional talent.

The acquisition builds on the momentum NearForm has picked up following investment from Columbia Capital in 2020. The company has also made a couple of significant hires, including former McKinsey digital partner Satty Bhens, who joined the NearForm executive board last year, and former Walmart executive Koby Avital as a strategic advisor in May.