iGate Global Solutions Ltd plans to expand aggressively in Canada. The company, which has emerged as one of the fastest growing offshore IT vendors in Canada, plans to double its head count of 250 employees (of its global strength of over 4,200) servicing the Canadian market in 2006.

iGate signed two significant deals in Canada, one a multi-year iTOPS deal in the finance and accounting space and the other in IT services for a leading financial services company.

"Canada is a rapidly growing market for iGATE," says Srinjay Sengupta, chief sales officer of the company. "We have seen a lot of traction around our consulting, IT and finance and accounting outsourcing services. Interestingly, Canada is a melting pot of culture and languages. For non-English requirements, there is a distinct advantage with Canada being able to offer this capability as an extension of offshore services."

In addition to focusing on IT services and contact centre operations, iGate is targeting the Canadian market with its iTOPS solutions in finance and accounting, insurance and banking.

Jason Trussell, associate VP, iGate Canada, said, "iGATE has invested heavily into flagship deals with a number of Canadian clients, including major technology investments, to ensure that iGATE aligns with its clients'' strategic plans and business objectives. iGATE will continue to invest in people, technology and infrastructure to support the rapid growth in this region."

Says Phaneesh Murthy, CEO, iGate, "IGATE''s iTOPS model has been well received in the Canadian market. We are in active discussions with a number of global corporations on iTOPS related initiatives in the BFSI (banking, financial srvices and insurance) space. With iTOPS gaining acceptance in the market place, we are confident of significantly expanding our presence in Canada over the next 12 months."

In India, the company has offshore operations in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Noida. It ended Q2FY06 with revenues of Rs155.77 crore.