HCL Technologies Ltd., a leading global IT services company, has inked a multi-year, multi-service agreement with Merck, expanding upon the existing relationship that began in 2004. Under the terms of the new deal, HCL will provide strategic support to Merck's key IT initiatives.

"Merck has embarked on a journey to leverage global delivery services to meet its business imperatives. We have chosen HCL as a strategic partner for its depth of technology and domain experience, coupled with its flexibility to engage and a commitment to deliver," stated Richard Branton, vice president, Merck Global Technology Services. "As we begin this new strategic initiative, HCL will continue to play a key role in Merck's growth across global markets," he added.

According to Shami Khorana, president, HCL, "Merck has moved ahead in its global delivery and we are confident this expanded relationship will benefit both companies".

The Life Sciences & Healthcare practice at HCL delivers IT centric solutions across the pharmaceutical, medical device and hospital industries. The DNA of the practice lies in extension of this knowledge to provide focused IT services and solutions to the customers. The company's investments have strong focus on regulatory compliance prescribed by the FDA's CFR, CEC, ISO, HIPAA and meeting technology paradigms surrounding HL7, DICOM, and others. It continues to invest in providing tested solutions in arenas such as Pharmacogenomics, medical devices and diagnostics, contract manufacturing, and hospital information systems. The Life Sciences & Healthcare team comprises 1500 consultants, including regulatory experts, bio technologists and pharmaceutical industry experts.

HCL Technologies is one of India's leading global IT Services companies, providing software-led IT solutions, remote infrastructure management services and BPO. Having made a foray into the global IT landscape in 1999 after its IPO, HCL Technologies focuses on Transformational Outsourcing, working with clients in areas that impact and re-define the core of their business. The company leverages an extensive global offshore infrastructure and its global network of offices in 18 countries to deliver solutions across select verticals, Life Sciences & Healthcare.