United States : PPC Worldwide, a business of OptumHealth, announced plans to acquire leading Australian employee assistance program (EAP) provider IPS Worldwide to enhance its global EAP capabilities in Asia-Pacific and Australia. This latest investment underscores OptumHealth’s commitment to expanding its international capabilities to meet the needs of multinational employers.

PPC Worldwide is a global leader in EAP benefits management, serving more than three million people in more than 140 countries. OptumHealth acquired PPC Worldwide in 2009.

Rapid economic development in Australia and Asia-Pacific, strong penetration of technology and competitive labor costs are motivating many multinational organizations to centralize front and back office operations in these regions. As a result, the need for high-quality EAP and other programs that support employee well-being continues to grow.

“Stress, financial matters or everyday life challenges can negatively impact an individual’s overall well-being, but with proper support these issues can be successfully managed,” said Ian Shakespeare, senior vice president of PPC Worldwide Asia-Pacific. “By adding IPS Worldwide we provide Australia and Asia-Pacific employers greater access to EAP services and work-life programs that can help keep their employees healthy and productive.”

The acquisition of IPS Worldwide will provide local and multinational employers greater access to EAP services and support in Australia through local offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Canberra. Their employees will have access to a network of more than 450 behavioral health practitioners, building on PPC Worldwide’s already comprehensive network. In the Asia-Pacific region, employers will have support from local offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, building on PPC Worldwide’s current regional service centers in Shanghai and Bangalore. Employees who work in Asia-Pacific will have access to an additional estimated 100 behavioral health practitioners.

“OptumHealth’s goal is to enhance employee health and well-being wherever they are in the world,” said Andy Sekel, Ph.D., chief executive officer of OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions. “This acquisition is designed to support employers with expanding employee populations in Australia and Asia-Pacific who are committed to providing their workers with culturally appropriate counseling, work-life balance support and crisis intervention assistance at the local level.”