Andersen has announced the acquisition of the French firm, Price Waterhouse Management Consultants S.A.S. (PWMC), forming the leading strategic operational consultancy in France.

"We are delighted to welcome our new French partners and colleagues to Andersen," said Joseph F. Berardino, Andersen's managing partner/CEO.

The combined professional services firm will house 900 consultants and is expected to generate combined annual fees of $140 million. The business will be part of Andersen's Business Consulting practice which has global fees of more than $1.6 billion.

Olivier Chatin has been named to the position of managing partner for the combined practice.

"Our partners are eager to participate in Andersen's integrated international network," said Yves Jarlaud, PWMC's managing partner. "This was a deliberate choice reflecting our strong belief that this is a winning combination for our clients and our people."