Helios and Matheson to staff 2000 by '06

CHENNAI: Helios and Matheson (H&M) based in Chennai, is targeting a revenue of $100 million in the next two-three years and is planning to increase its workforce to 2000 by the year 2006. Speaking on H&M's expansion plans, its MD, GK Muralikrishna said that the company would follow an aggressive strategy of both organic growth as well as strategic acquisitions. Earlier in August, the company had announced the acquisition of two companies, Maruthi Info Tech Inc, USA and Jayamaruthi Software Systems Pvt Ltd, Chennai and is looking out for at least two more acquisitions before 2006.






"We are looking for companies who are into offshore development activity for US based clients, with a proven track record with over 200 professionals", Muralikrishna said. He added that H&M has integrated four companies over these years and the track record has given it the confidence to employ a growth-by-acquisition strategy to successfully enter several new arenas and strengthen the company's position in the global market.





"All the acquisitions have been in the healthcare area and further acquisitions would be in the related functional areas of H&M such as insurance and banking," Muralikrishna said. Besides healthcare, H&M is also present in software development, where it has developed an Enterprise Insurance Application (for insurance industry, which would deal with the whole process of insurance), Bar Catalyst and web-based reporting application for market research activities for H&M clients based in US.





H&M, which had announced bonus issue of shares in the ratio of 1:1 for its shareholders, is now planning to be listed in the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Further speaking on H&M's future strategies, Muralikrishna said, "We intend to increase our business from the existing and new clients and pursue acquisitions in the healthcare verticals. We also plan to expand our regional presence in the US by strengthening our presence in East Coast and Southern part of USA".