UPDATE 1-CSC to acquire iSOFT Group for $188 mln

* Deal for A$0.17 per share; 227 pct premium to Mar. 24 close

* Sees deal to step up growth in global healthcare business (Follows Alerts)

April 1 (Reuters) - U.S. technology services provider Computer Sciences Corp (CSC) said it would acquire healthcare software provider iSOFT Group Ltd for about $188 million.

Computer Sciences will offer iSOFT shareholders A$0.17 a share, 224 percent more than iSOFT's March 24 close on the Australian Stock Exchange.

"When completed, this acquisition will be a critical step in the expansion of our global healthcare business," CSC Chief Executive Michael Laphen said in a statement.

Australia-based iSOFT Group, engaged in the development and licensing of computer software and the supply of services to the healthcare industry, was formed by a merger of iSOFT Group and IBA Health.

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of fiscal 2012, CSC said.

Shares of the Falls Church, Virginia-based CSC rose a percent to $49.37 on Friday on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock have gained 6 percent in the last six months. ($1 = 0.968 Australian Dollars) (Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bangalore; Editing by Joyjeet Das)