IT consultancy RBA acquires Duluth-based Saturn Systems

RBA, a Minneapolis-based provider of digital and technology consulting, has acquired Saturn Systems, a Duluth, MN-based custom software development firm.

Founded in 1990, Saturn Systems’ software engineers provide services in cloud and web solutions, desktop applications, mobile development, device integration, and quality assurance and testing. The firm provides services on a project-based or staff augmentation basis.

Saturn, which has offices in Duluth and Grand Rapids, MN, is a pioneer in onshore rural outsourcing – which offers domestic, rural-based software engineers to metro area firms as an alternative to offshore IT resources in India and China. The lower cost resources and infrastructure of Northern Minnesota also allow Saturn to offer developer rates 20-40% cheaper than metropolitan-based firms.

Some of the firm’s recent projects include working with general contractor United Piping to replace a paper-based time card, equipment, and materials tracking form with a fully electronic system; and assisting Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with an SAP ERP implementation project to reduce maintenance costs and increase operational visibility.

Saturn has more than 50 team members, according to LinkedIn.

RBA’s acquisition of Saturn will strengthen its Minnesota presence and bolster the firm’s software development capabilities. The deal will bring the Minneapolis consulting firm’s headcount to more than 200 people.

"This combination will further enhance the breadth and depth of our delivery capabilities and customer offerings," said Rick Born, founder and CEO of RBA. "We're committed to aggressively growing our business to meet our customer's needs while operating in a very competitive talent market which is challenging, making this opportunity to add such a great team simply too good to pass up."

Saturn will continue to operate out of its Duluth headquarters as a subsidiary of RBA.

“We're excited about joining the RBA team, expanding Saturn's customer base, and providing more opportunities for our employees," said Scott Risdal, president of Saturn Systems.

RBA delivers strategy, design, and technology services, and has worked with more than 500 clients across 25 industries since its founding in 2006. The firm provides services and solutions in customer applications, digital experience, commerce, modern workplace, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, CRM, and data and analytics.

RBA offers clients project-based engagements, staff augmentation, and managed services.