Moody’s agreed to acquire Equilibrium, a provider of credit rating and research services in Peru and other countries in Latin America.

“Equilibrium is highly-regarded for the quality of its credit ratings and research and the broad scope of its analytical coverage,” said Raymond McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s. “This acquisition positions Equilibrium to serve the growing needs of issuers and investors across Latin America while deepening Moody’s presence in this dynamic and expanding market.”

Equilibrium and Moody’s Investors Service have had a technical services agreement since 2007, through which Moody’s has provided Equilibrium with technical support based on its globally recognized credit analysis techniques for companies, governments, financial institutions and structured finance.

The acquisition is expected to close in Q2/15, subject to regulatory approval. It is not expected to have an impact on Moody’s earnings per share in 2015 and will be funded from a combination of US and international cash on hand. Equilibrium’s operations in El Salvador will not be acquired; the other terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Peru-based Equilibrium has operated since 1996. Following the acquisition, Equilibrium will continue to issue domestic ratings in Peru and Panama with an independent analytical and rating committee process. Renzo Barbieri will continue to lead Equilibrium’s operations following the acquisition.