Harcourt Inc., the U.S.-based K-12 education and testing business subsidiary of Reed Elsevier plc, announced today that it will acquire Les Editions du Centre de Psychologie Appliquée (ECPA) from German-based publishing group, WEKA. ECPA is the leading publisher in the French testing market, with titles in clinical and human resources assessment. The company will be a part of The Psychological Corporation, Harcourt’s clinical assessment business based in San Antonio, Texas.

ECPA will be The Psychological Corporation’s first business in a non-English speaking country, adding significantly to its global reach. Currently, The Psychological Corporation has global units operating in the UK, Australia and Canada. ECPA, which is based in Paris, will operate as a business unit within The Psychological Corporation.

The global market for clinical assessment is growing significantly. ECPA has a strong brand image and excellent reputation for developing technically superior, high quality assessments. This acquisition will afford increased opportunity for local adaptation of The Psychological Corporation products in French-speaking markets, which will help the company to accelerate growth globally. Mireille Simon will continue as Director for ECPA.

Aurelio Prifitera, president of The Psychological Corporation commented: “Les Editions du Centre de Psychologie Appliquée brings our group the strength of a leadership position in France, and provides opportunities to expand the presence of our product line globally. The firm has a strong position within the French market, and through its product development expertise, we will be able to provide our quality products to other French-speaking markets.”