Tech Mahindra, a specialist in digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering,  today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire global network services, leader Lightbridge Communications Corporation (LCC) for an enterprise value of approximately USD 240 million, subject to regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close by Q4 of Tech Mahindra's 2015 Fiscal Year.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, LCC is one of the world's largest independent global providers of Network Engineering services to the telecommunications industry, with more than 5,000 employees in over 50 countries. With annual revenues of more than USD 400 million, LCC has built 350 networks and designed more than 350,000 cell sites for over 400 customers worldwide.  The acquisition positions Tech Mahindra as the pre-eminent partner for network services globally.

With this acquisition we will also be addressing a rapidly growing market opportunity as telecommunications companies and enterprises accelerate the network upgrade cycle.  With Networks increasingly becoming all IP-based and Virtual, software will play a key role in managing the networks of the future. Tech Mahindra's deep software skills, in combination with LCC's world-class network engineering capabilities, will further differentiate Tech Mahindra's offerings to both our Communications and Enterprise customers.

The acquisition of LCC will strongly augment the systematic investments that Tech Mahindra has been making in its network services business over the last few years. Tech Mahindra’s network consulting, integration and operations services in conjunction with LCC's network engineering and field services will enable the company to offer a full range of network services to both communications service providers as well as to the ecosystem of partners who cater to the Communications sector.

Vineet Nayyar, executive vice chairman, Tech Mahindra says, ''This partnership is another significant step towards the globalization of Tech Mahindra as we welcome a diverse workforce of over 5,000 network professionals across five continents and more than 50 countries. We expect network services to be a major growth engine for our organization.''

CP Gurnani, MD & CEO, Tech Mahindra, says, ''This acquisition is a defining moment for Tech Mahindra and the network services sector. We will now be the largest and most comprehensive provider of technology services to Communications Service Providers. Our 25 years of rich experience in delivering technology solutions to enterprises and communications service providers globally will be significantly strengthened by this acquisition.''

Shares of the company gained Rs 78.1, or 2.97%, to settle at Rs 2,704.20. The total volume of shares traded was 53,114 at the BSE (Thursday).