RWS Holdings plc, an intellectual property support services provider, has strengthened its translation operations after buying Japanese Language Services (JLS).

The company added the London-based Japanese technical translations provider to its portfolio after agreeing to pay £1.05 million in cash.

JLS enhances RWS’ non-patent translation activities and will now operate as part of its medical translation division in Wimbledon.

This acquisition is part of RWS’ plan to grow its business through organic investment and selective acquisitions of businesses that have growth prospects and enhance shareholder value.

RWS’ executive chairman, Andrew Brode, said the company intends to expand the acquired business.

AIM-listed RWS provides intellectual property support services such as patent translations and technical searches to the medical, pharmaceutical, chemical, aerospace, defence, automotive and telecoms industries. The company is based in the UK with offices in Europe, New York, Tokyo and Beijing.

JLS provides technical translations from Japanese to English and specialises in biochemical, chemical, medical and pharmaceutical documents. Its clients include European and Japanese multi-nationals and governmental organisations.

Its un-audited financial statement for the year ending April 30, 2007, showed a turnover of £500,000 and adjusted profits before tax of £200,000.