SDL International, the world’s leading provider of translation services and technology solutions, announced today that it has acquired the business of Lingua Franca, a leading Arabic localization service provider based in Dubai.

 The acquisition extends the SDL network of in-country offices to the Middle East, improving access to local resources and giving greater flexibility in resource allocation. SDL will implement its processes, procedures and technologies at Lingua Franca, allowing more control over the provision of Arabic localization services. Customers will benefit from high quality translations that are sensitive to local culture and terminology, delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner.

“Lingua Franca brings to SDL an excellent reputation for quality Arabic localization services, together with established customer relationships with global organizations such as Microsoft,” commented Mark Lancaster, Chairman and CEO of SDL International. “As the only major LSP with a Middle Eastern presence, we have strengthened our market position and demonstrated our strategic commitment to delivering high quality, local language translations for our customers.”

About Lingua Franca Computer System Design
Lingua Franca is a leading provider of Arabic language services to major global corporations such as Microsoft and HP. Founded in 1994, it has played a leading role in “Arabizing” the computer, including creating and maintaining the Microsoft glossary. For more information, visit www.linguafranca.net.