Accenture is exploring a potential sale of its Greater China operations, with the business unit valued at up to $1.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes as the global IT consultancy seeks to sharpen its focus on faster-growing segments and demonstrate adaptability amid the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in its industry.

The company has engaged JPMorgan to conduct a strategic review of its operations encompassing mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Interest in the division reportedly emerged unsolicited over the past year. Potential buyers are expected to include private equity firms and a limited number of strategic investors. While a sale is being considered, there is no certainty a transaction will occur, and Accenture may retain a meaningful minority stake to maintain service continuity for clients.

This potential divestment arises amid volatility in Accenture’s share price, which has experienced significant fluctuations as investors debate the company’s prospects in an AI-driven market. Accenture is positioning itself to capitalize on growing demand for AI-related services, anticipating that businesses will require consultancy support to implement these technologies. Conversely, some investors argue that AI could reduce the need for external consultancy by allowing companies to automate or internalize such functions.

The decision to evaluate its China business is also occurring within a broader context of regulatory tightening in China, where Western professional services firms have been adjusting operations due to new rules aimed at limiting the transfer of sensitive information outside the country. Measures including IT system separation have hindered cross-border operational synergies and prompted firms such as McKinsey to downscale their presence.

Accenture recently communicated to investors that it expects subdued revenue growth over the next two years, followed by acceleration toward the end of the decade, driven by AI service demand. This forward guidance, coupled with a better-than-expected full-year financial performance, has contributed to a share price rally of approximately 85% from a June low. The company reported $74.2 billion in revenue for its fiscal year ending in August, with its broader Asia-Pacific business generating around $10 billion.

To support its strategic goals, Accenture plans to reinvest efficiency gains from internal AI adoption by offering competitive pricing to clients and pursuing acquisitions that enhance its AI capabilities. The firm also aims to maintain moderate debt levels while returning significant capital to shareholders through buybacks and increased dividends.

Angie Park, Accenture’s chief financial officer, emphasized the company’s history of divesting units, products, countries, or contracts that do not meet its strategic or financial performance standards, highlighting a readiness to make adjustments as market conditions evolve.