Gatineau-based e-learning company Eedo Knowledgeware Corp. announced Tuesday it's been acquired by one of its chief rivals, Boston's OutStart Inc.

According to statements by the new company – which will conduct business as OutStart – the combined entity will be the "world's largest provider of learning content management software (LCMS)," and will try to leverage its increased financial strength to more aggressively attack the international LCMS market.

"Our top priority is to ensure that our customers receive even greater support, innovations and products as we go forward as one company," said Massood Zarrabian, CEO of OutStart, in a statement. "As we have in the past, we'll move quickly to integrate our portfolio of products."

Eedo was founded in 1999, and since then has focused on developing software products for real-time learning and knowledge management. Its ForceTen knowledge platform has been recognized by analysts and industry experts, even winning awards for innovation from Brandon-Hall and eLearning Magazine. It had announced an expansion of its German operations in September of last year.

Prior to its acquisition by OutStart, the company had offices in five locations within Europe and North America, and boasted customers such as the U.S. Army, Dell, Microsoft, Lufthansa and Matsushita.

The combined company will serve upward of 300 customers and make its headquarters in Boston, and offices will be maintained in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.