The Problem
Telus has been expanding into AI-driven services in telecom, healthcare and agriculture. But its digital arm, Telus International, was still operating with outside shareholders and its own direction. That made it harder for Telus to integrate AI into its broader infrastructure and customer offerings.
What They Used
The Acquisition
On June 12, 2025, Telus announced an offer to buy the remaining 43 percent of Telus International for CAD 3.40 per share. This values the digital subsidiary at about CAD 947 million. If approved, Telus will gain full control over its AI operations and digital platforms.
What It Did
Strategic Integration
Bringing Telus International fully in-house will let Telus
- Align AI product development directly with enterprise goals
- Simplify how AI tools are deployed across customer-facing channels
- Strengthen AI infrastructure through tighter control of digital resources
This move is part of Telus’s plan to invest CAD 70 billion over five years in infrastructure, AI and data centers.
Can Others Replicate It
Lessons for Canadian Business Leaders
If you run a business with outsourced or semi-detached digital operations, this is a reminder that strategic control matters. Especially in AI, where speed and data ownership are critical, having end-to-end authority over your tools lets you respond faster to customers and build unique products.
Even for smaller companies, it’s a good moment to assess how closely your digital tools align with your business model. Relying too heavily on disconnected third-party systems can slow innovation.
Sources
BNN Bloomberg: Telus aims to align AI strategy with digital operations
