Verisk Analytics snatched up a British analytics and advisory outfit for more than $31.6 million, beefing up its research and data capacity for geopolitical and other risks in the process.

The New Jersey-based company said it will incorporate Maplecroft.Net Limited into its risk management and supply chains solutions arm, and the new division will be known as Verisk Maplecroft. Maplecroft is based in Bath, England, the deal announcement noted.

Verisk has already closed on its purchase, which should be neutral to adjusted earnings per share in 2015. For future earnings, Maplecroft will be counted within the Specialized category in Verisk’s Decision Analytics Segment, Verisk said.

Maplecroft sells global risk analytics and advisory services through data aggregation and analysis, helping clients to assess, monitor and forecast geopolitical, societal and other risks, often at individual sites. Its customer base includes multinational companies, financial institutions, governments and non-profits, according to the deal announcement.

It is a logical fit with Verisk Analytics, which is known for providing risk-related data to insurance, healthcare, financial services, governments and risk management companies. Verisk also provides predictive analytics and decision support solutions in fraud prevention, actuarial science, insurance coverages, fire protection catastrophe and weather risk, data management and other areas.

Perry Rotella, senior vice president and chief information officer for Verisk Analytics, said in a prepared statement that the deal helps Verisk establish itself as a major player for clients seeking “comprehensive quantitative risk analytics and platforms” that help customers “visualize, quantify, mitigate and manage their risk.”

Source: Verisk Analytics