Cognizant has acquired New Signature, a cloud-native business focused on Microsoft public cloud transformation. According to a statement, the acquisition will enable Cognizant to further grow Microsoft cloud solutions.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2020, subject to regulatory clearance and other closing conditions. Financial details were not disclosed.

More specifically, the acquisition of New Signature expands Cognizant's hyperscale cloud advisory services, and will provide the foundation for a new group within Cognizant centered on Microsoft cloud solutions.

New Signature is a Microsoft Partner and is exclusively focused on Microsoft technologies, with an integrated offering across all three of Microsoft's business clouds: Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365.

Upon the close of the acquisition, New Signature's more than 500 cloud experts, based primarily in the US, UK, and Canada, will join Cognizant's newly-formed Microsoft Business Group.

New Signature's global client portfolio includes businesses across a broad range of industries, as well as government and non-profit institutions.

Engagements have included a cloud migration for Virgin Atlantic Airways, an IoT solution for The Hershey Company, and a solution to map all public defibrillators in the UK for the National Health Service (NHS) and the British Heart Foundation.

Cognizant Digital Systems and Technology president Grey Hyttenrauch says, “The pace of cloud adoption continues to accelerate across industries, with Microsoft's cloud solutions among the preferred technologies to help transform and strengthen businesses.

“Acquiring New Signature will enrich our cloud-first capabilities and complement our increasing strengths as a Microsoft partner. We look forward to welcoming New Signature into the Cognizant family.

New Signature chief executive officer Jeff Tench says, “New Signature's success is built upon helping clients create and accelerate their business transformation through the adoption of Microsoft cloud technologies.

“In joining Cognizant, we will have access to Cognizant's deep industry expertise and global scale, and together, provide best-in-class cloud solutions for the intelligent workplace, applied innovation, and managed services.

“We share a passion for innovation and look forward to our future at the heart of Cognizant's new Microsoft Business Group.

Microsoft Worldwide Commercial Business executive vice president Judson Althoff says, “The New Signature acquisition will enhance Cognizant's ability to partner with customers across industries and geographies on their cloud strategy and business transformation.

“We look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with Cognizant, especially with the coming launch of Cognizant's new Microsoft Business Group.

New Signature is one of 70 certified Azure Expert Managed Service Providers worldwide and has 16 Gold Microsoft Competencies or specialisations.

New Signature will be Cognizant's fifth cloud-related acquisition in 2020.