Acquisitions in Massachusetts in 2014

MRM//McCann, the global customer-experience marketing agency within McCann Worldgroup/Interpublic Group, has acquired Optaros, a Boston-based digital eCommerce consulting and services provider founded in 2004. Optaros will operate as a unit within MRM//McCann, remaining headquartered in Boston and led by CEO Rob Willms, with the deal intended to expand MRM//McCann's e-commerce capabilities and integrated customer experience offerings.

Adecco Group acquired OnForce and will merge the company into Beeline’s portfolio to create an integrated vendor management system (VMS) and freelancer management system (FMS) offering. The combined solution aims to give customers unified, cloud-based access to supplier-managed contingent workers and a vetted network of independent contractors to simplify extended workforce sourcing and management.

Nicox S.A. agreed to acquire Aciex Therapeutics, Inc., a U.S.-based ophthalmic development company, in a share-exchange deal that will transfer 100% of Aciex to Nicox. The transaction (approved by Nicox shareholders on October 22, 2014) issues 20,627,024 new Nicox shares for Aciex equity and includes contingent value rights giving up to $55 million in potential additional consideration tied to FDA approvals, and is intended to broaden Nicox's ophthalmic development pipeline.

EPAM Systems, Inc. has acquired GGA Software Services LLC, a Cambridge-based provider of scientific informatics and software engineering services for the life sciences industry. 7 Mile Advisors served as exclusive sell-side advisor to GGA in the transaction, which expands EPAM’s capabilities in scientific informatics and life-sciences-focused software services.