-- Electronic Data Systems Corp. plans to merge its IT services subsidiary in India into the operations of Mphasis BFL Ltd., a Bangalore-based outsourcer that EDS bought majority ownership of in June. The merger would increase the stake that EDS holds in Mphasis from 52.4 percent to 61.8 percent. The combined entity will have more than 15,000 employees.

Global fact

-- 15.3 percent: The rate of growth in spending on IT services in the Czech Republic last year. The total amount of money spent was $1.15 billion U.S.

Source: IDC, Framingham, Mass.