Cognizant has acquired Galileo Performance, a Paris-based provider of information technology (IT) testing consulting services. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Galileo helps leading companies in France optimize and extend business performance through IT system measurement, management and testing. Galileo will expand and complement Cognizant’s fast-growing global testing practice while strengthening Cognizant’s existing business presence in France.

Outsourced testing services have been growing significantly, not only for their value in lowering the cost of quality assurance and software maintenance, but also for ensuring tighter alignment of IT with business objectives, greater operational effectiveness, and improved governance and risk mitigation. Industry research firm IDC forecasts a five-year CAGR of 19% for discrete global testing services, reaching an estimated $17.7 billion by 2013.

“We welcome Galileo’s talented consultants to Cognizant. The acquisition will enable Cognizant to bring world-class testing services to the French market and to bring innovative testing services including managed test centers as well as virtualized and cloud-enabled testing to clients. Also the addition of French-speaking consultants will help us better serve our customers in the region,” said Francisco D’Souza, President and CEO, Cognizant.