Wipro arm buys American design firm

Software major Wipro on Thursday said its digital arm had acquired the US-based design firm Cooper for an unspecified amount to expand its portfolio offerings.

"On acquisition, Cooper will become part of our Designit subsidiary and expand its reach in North America with more capabilities in design education," said the IT major in a statement here.

The San Francisco-based Cooper, founded by Sue Cooper and Alan Cooper, considered father of Visual Basic, has developed tools used in design. With 35 people in the Bay Area and New York, the 25-year-old firm provides consulting and training services global firms, including Fortune 500 enterprises.

"Enterprise clients the world over recognise that design is a critical part of any digital or business transformation. By adding Cooper's skills and expertise, we will be better positioned to support its clients' digital programmes," said the outsourcing firm.

According to Wipro Digital Global Head Rajan Kohli, the combined capability across design, strategy and technology gives it a platform to work with clients on their digital initiatives.

"Post-acquisition, we will be a premier firm for UX (User Experience) and interaction design. Coupled with our subsidiary's design services and engineering capability, we will allow support the digital journey for our clients," said Kohli.

Wipro Digital and Designit arm serve clients from 16 offices across the world.

"As both firms (Designit and Cooper) are passionate about creating products, experiences, and systems, we will help them think like a startup again," said Designit Founder and Chief Executive Mikal Hallstrup on the occasion.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter (October-December) of fiscal 2017-18.

"We have similar culture and a shared passion for turning complex problems into solutions people love. Both are characterised by craftsmanship and a human approach to technology. As a combined force, we will shape the future of business," said Cooper co-founder Alan.

--IANS

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