Infosys BPO to buy Aussie firm Portland

The country's second-largest software exporter Infosys today said its BPO division has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Australia-based Portland Group for AUD 37 million (Rs 195.44 crore).

Portland Group is a provider of strategic sourcing and category management services.

The all cash-deal is expected to be completed by early January 2012, subject to certain closing conditions being met, Infosys said in a statement.

"The Group's expertise in strategic sourcing and category management services will complement the global sourcing and procurement platform at Infosys BPO. It will have a positive impact on our clients' business efficiency and effectiveness," Infosys BPO CEO Swami Swaminathan said.

Portland Group, headquartered in Sydney, has offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The company reported a revenue of approximately AUD 31.3 million for the fiscal year ended 30 June 2011 and employs 113 professionals.

This is the third acquisition for Infosys BPO. In 2007, Infosys had signed a seven-year, $250 million deal from the Dutch consumer giant Phillips.

As part of the deal, it also took over Phillips' BPO centres in Poland, India and Thailand.

Later in 2009, Infosys acquired Atlanta-based McCamish Systems for $38.2 million (about Rs 180 crore).