WNS, a provider of global business process management services, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Value Edge Research Services, a provider of commercial research and analytics services to clients in the pharma/biopharma industry.

Value Edge provides consulting grade marketing and data analytics to a blue-chip roster of globally leading biopharma companies. Value Edge has created a cloud-based advanced technology platform designed to provide clients with competitive intelligence to drive strategic decision-making. Core company offerings include CI, opportunity assessment, forecasting, reporting & dash-boarding, modeling, business intelligence tool building and data analysis. The company also provides services in the areas of pricing analytics, patient data analysis, key account management, sales force effectiveness and social media monitoring.

 “The acquisition of Value Edge deepens our domain and specialized analytical capabilities in the growing pharma market, and provides WNS with a technology asset which is leverageable across clients and industries,” said Keshav Murugesh, WNS’ chief executive officer. “We are thrilled to welcome Value Edge’s talented industry experts to the WNS family, and look forward to jointly creating new opportunities and true business value for our clients.”

“Value Edge is excited to partner with WNS, and the combination of our firms’ respective capabilities will enable us to help clients in the pharma/biopharma industry improve their competitive positioning,” said Rohit Anand, Value Edge’s founder and managing director. “We believe WNS’ global size and strength will allow us to tap new areas of demand, drive deeper relationships and expand our offerings.”

The acquisition of Value Edge is subject to Reserve Bank of India approval and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Cash consideration for the transaction is $17.5 million plus adjustments for cash and working capital. WNS intends to fund the consideration with cash on hand. Based on Value Edge’s existing book of business, the acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $5 million in revenue for WNS in fiscal 2017. The acquisition is also expected to be accretive to earnings in fiscal 2017.

Value Edge currently employs over 100 people in India, the U.S. and Europe.