Virginia-based consulting and implementation services provider ICF International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Macro International - a provider of advisory, implementation, and evaluation services.

The cash purchase price will be approximately $155 million, prior to the net present value of a tax benefit of approximately $26 million. The purchase will be funded through ICF’s existing bank credit line.

The company said that Macro adds strong qualifications, contracts, relationships, and experience in federal health-related programs and research. When combined with its capabilities in human services and health-related information technology services, it will offer a full-service array of advisory, implementation, and evaluation services in this vast and critical area.

Sudhakar Kesavan, Chairman and CEO of ICF, said: “This transaction illustrates an important element of ICF’s growth strategy—to acquire profitable, high-quality firms that provide significant growth potential and cross-sell opportunities in our key markets.

“Macro is an excellent strategic fit for ICF, adding capabilities and clients in one of the largest of our market segments—health, human services, and social programs—which is among the most important areas of the Obama Administration’s focus.”