HR and financial consultancy Mercer has signed an agreement to acquire HR knowledge provider ORC Worldwide to increase its global HR intelligence and to further strengthen its related international consulting, conference and educational services.

Both firms are known for their employee mobility information and related administrative applications, international talent management consulting, and extensive compensation and workforce data.

ORC’s strong market position and reputation in the US, particularly in the area of international assignment expertise, complements Mercer’s worldwide research capabilities and extensive global network of offices.

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.