Aegis close to acquiring South Africa's CCN for Rs 90 cr

Aegis, the BPO arm of the Essar Group, is close to acquiring South Africa-based firm Call Centre Nucleus (CCN) for about Rs 90 crore (ZAR 150 million).

This is in line with the Group's intention to expand its business in the African continent.

When contacted, Aegis spokesperson said, "We keep looking at growth opportunities. However, it is not our policy to comment on any specific issue."

Earlier this month, Essar Global Chairman Shashi Ruia had said that the company was looking at acquisitions in Africa.

"We are looking at acquisition of one BPO company in Africa. However, we cannot disclose further details now," Ruia had told PTI.

Aegis BPO has acquired 12 firms worldwide in the last three years. Latest to come into its fold is an Australian BPO service provider, UCMS Group, which it bought for AUD 45 million this year.

In October last year, Aegis BPO had acquired Nasdaq-listed off-shoring firm PeopleSupport for close to Rs 1,057 crore. This has enabled the company to add the Philippines to its list of delivery locations.

The company had earlier said that it plans to acquire four BPO companies in a year. The merger and acquisition team of the firm at any given point of time evaluates at least six targets.