PDS Tech Inc., which ranks No. 63 on SIA’s list of largest US staffing firms, was acquired by AKKA, a Paris-based publicly traded firm.

AKKA has also appointed Cash Nickerson as chairman of its North American business unit. Nickerson had served at Irving, Texas-based PDS Tech as president and CFO for 15 years. He will also join AKKA’s group executive committee.

“I look forward to this new challenge and to develop the AKKA North America business. With 8% growth to nearly $300 billion in 2017, the US outsourced R&D market is three times larger than that of France and Germany combined. The combination of PDS Tech and AKKA provide a powerful driver to accompany leading US companies towards integrated solutions.”

AKKA North America will continue to operate with the PDS Tech brand and business model. PDS Tech’s revenue is expected to grow by 15% to $300 million this year.

AKKA had revenue of €1.3 billion (US$1.58 billion) in 2017.