Cognizant has signed an agreement to acquire Ireland-based Zenith Technologies.

Headquarted in Cork, Zenith Technologies is a life sciences manufacturing technology services company. It manages, controls and optimises drug and medical device production by implementing digital technologies.

Following the acquisition, Cognizant will be able to extend its capabilities for the design, implementation and management of end-to-end operational and information technology systems for connected biopharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.

Cognizant CEO Brian Humphries said: “Industry 4.0 solutions, encompassing Internet of Things (IoT), automation and analytics, are a strategic focus area for Cognizant.

“Together, we are better positioned to help clients realise information and operational technology convergence in their manufacturing operations, and advance the development of life-saving drugs, biologics, specialised pharmaceuticals and medical devices.”

The combined technologies of Cognizant and Zenith will deliver Industry 4.0 capabilities ranging from factory design consultation, machine sensor and controller instrumentation, to manufacturing execution systems, batch automation and enterprise resource planning integration.

Zenith Technologies CEO Joe Haugh said: “In joining Cognizant, we are bringing together two respected life sciences service provider brands with complementary technology and manufacturing operations expertise.

“Our combined business will drive process excellence through tighter integration of manufacturing processes and systems, the efficient harnessing of information and analytics across the manufacturing value chain, and the adoption of IoT technologies delivering manufacturing 4.0.”

After the acquisition, more than 800 people working with Zenith will join Cognizant’s Life Sciences business unit.

The operating hubs of Zenith in Ireland, Germany, India, Singapore, the US and other sites across the globe are located near manufacturing facilities of many Cognizant clients.

Subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including regulatory review, the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.

The companies have not disclosed the transaction value.