Convergys Acquires Voice Systems Provider Intervoice For $335 Million

Convergys reported Wednesday that it will acquire voice systems provider Intervoice for $335 million.

Convergys, which is expected to report more than $2.85 billion in revenue this year, said it plans to integrate Intervoice's speech automation, Web self-care, and mobile applications with its existing relationship management business. Convergys, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, has about 75,000 employees and 87 customer contact centers and other facilities across the world.

"Clients are demanding high-quality, integrated, relationship management solutions, combining both automated and live agent services, to drive more value from their relationships with their customers and employees," said Dave Dougherty, Convergys president and CEO, in a statement. "We believe acquiring Intervoice allows us to compete more effectively as a single-source provider."

Intervoice, which has been headquartered in Dallas, reported revenues of $202.4 million in its most recent fiscal year, ending Feb. 28.

With customers in 80 countries and across multiple industries, the two companies said Intervoice's global channel, technology partnerships, and sales presence will enable Convergys to penetrate deeper into its current markets and access new markets as well.

The acquisition was hailed by T-Mobile, already a customer of each firm. "Separately, these companies have been strong strategic partners delivering products that have created opportunities for customers like us," said Robert Strickland, senior vice president and chief information officer at the mobile phone service provider, in a statement. "If they come together, we look forward to seeing them continue to build on their ability to bring solutions to the market that place customer relationships at the center."