IBM Buys Employee Specialist Kenexa for $1.3 billion

US-based recruitment and talent management specialist Kenexa - which lists employee surveys and organizational assessments among its offerings - has been acquired by IBM in a cash deal valued at approximately $1.3 billion.

Founded in 1987, Kenexa helps drive HR and business outcomes through a combination of technology, content and services. The firm consults in the design and results of its employee surveys, and offers access to 850 million employee responses in its three-year rolling database. It has operations in 21 countries worldwide and approximately 2,800 employees.

IBM says the acquisition complements its ability to deliver relevant data and expertise to business leaders.

Kenexa CEO Rudy Karsan (pictured) comments: 'The combination of our two organizations will deliver more business outcomes than ever before. Together, Kenexa and IBM will be unmatched in the industry, offering solutions that extend from strategy to the technology platform to the delivery of services for clients.'

IBM expects the transaction to close in the fourth quarter of 2012, subject to Kenexa shareholder and regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

Web sites: www.kenexa.com and www.ibm.com .