Abt Associates acquires health and development firm

Abt Associates has acquired JTA International, expanding the company’s breadth and depth of expertise in international health and development.

The move also offers new opportunities for diversifying Abt’s client base, the company said.

JTA International is an Australia-based international health and social sector consulting firm that serves a wide range of public and private sector clients in Australia and in the Pacific region.

It will act as a wholly owned subsidiary of Abt Associates, and will be renamed Abt JTA, the company said in a release.

JTA founder and CEO, Jane Thomason, will continue to lead the company, along with her executive team.

“Abt Associates and JTA International have complementary portfolios, values and mission-driven organizational cultures,” said Abt President and CEO Kathleen Flanagan. “The acquisition will provide new opportunities for growth and enable us to diversify our client base and compete on a broader range of projects.”

JTA employees will continue current projects, with both companies pursing opportunities for joint bidding going forward.

The integration of the two companies is being led by Jay L. Knott, executive vice president for Global Business at Abt Associates.

“Our clients are going to benefit directly from the additional capabilities and expertise of both companies. In addition, our employees will gain greater opportunities for professional growth,” Knott said.

Abt Associates was No. 67 on Washington Technology's 2012 Top 100 Rankings.