Although the trade groups offer certification, the field is unregulated. Also, translation companies compete fiercely for clients. That has kept their rates low and thus made it harder for translators to push through their own rate increases. Their union the Translators and Interpreters Guild, formed in 1991 offers certification and referral service, but has only attracted about 350 members. Lionbridge Technologies, one of the largest translation companies in Waltham, Mass., has bought seven companies in four years.
More giants keep forming.
Now it sells translation services separately as well. Indeed, most experts say that companies that specialize in areas like software, financial or legal and that offer 24-hour turnarounds, are most likely to thrive. Privacy Information Stay connected to the news that interests you with free e-mail alerts from The New York Times.