First Consulting Group Inc. said Monday that it has acquired Salt Lake City-based software developer Zorch Inc. in an all-cash deal. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

The Long Beach health care consulting firm said it will incur a one-time charge this quarter for in-process software research and development expenses. Zorch makes enterprise software solution for the life sciences industry.

First Consulting said the deal is expected to add to its earnings in 2008.

“We believe there is a good opportunity to leverage FCG’s strong brand name and experience in the life sciences market,” said First Consulting Chief Executive Larry Ferguson in a statement. “[The deal] opens new opportunities for FCG in pharma and biotech enterprises of all sizes.”

Shares in First Consulting were up 2 cents to $8.52 in afternoon trading on the Nasdaq.