"This extends our platform by giving our customers a more comprehensive portfolio of software and services," said Michael Critelli, chairman and chief executive of Pitney Bowes.

Wisconsin's Firstlogic, founded in 1984, is the OEM partner of several "business intelligence and data integration" firms and  developed the IQ8 and IQ Assurance packages.

The deal for the firm, which has a turnover of around 30m, will go through in Q3 subject to regulatory approval in the US.

Pitney Bowes already had a 10% stake in 400-staff Firstlogic before the takeover was agreed.