ERP Vendors XKO Software Ltd and CMS Software Inc to Merge
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CHERTSEY, Surrey, April 2 -- XKO Software Limited and CMS Software, Inc of Toronto, Canada have agreed to merge, creating a new international force in ERP software. Marlin Equity Partners of Los Angeles, California has provided financial backing to the transaction.
The combined business will have sales of over US$50million (over
GBP25million) and employ 300 professionals serving more than 1,400 customers from offices in Europe, North America and Asia. The businesses will continue to trade as CMS and XKO pending a review of operations.
Shawn McMorran, CEO of the enlarged business states: "We see growing demand for modern, open systems. Together, our .Net and web services products will bring enterprise class performance to mid-sized organisations at a price they can afford and we have the skilled service professionals to back up the products. It's a winning combination."
Rudy Joss, who will chair the combined board adds: "There's a good natural fit between the firms but minimal operational overlap so the merger is positive for staff as well as customers."
David McGovern, Managing Director at Marlin Equity Partners notes: "This is a significant step forward for XKO and CMS. The combined business has scale, market leading products and the local presence needed to deliver excellent service. We will continue to invest in the business and support future growth. We are actively looking to acquire businesses with complementary products."
Financial details of the merger agreement were not disclosed.
About CMS:
Privately held CMS is a respected supplier of ERP systems to manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers in the USA and Canada. Over 20 years, Toronto based CMS has built a reputation for superior software engineering reflected in the standing of its iSeries ERP platform 'i5,' and the newer 'm5,' built using the latest .Net technologies from Microsoft.
See cmssoftware.com or contact Sandi Ingram on +1 905 224 2222 for more information.
About XKO
XKO Software Limited is the UK's leading supplier of mid-range ERP systems to manufacturers, distributors and merchants. The company offers systems tailored to the needs of specific vertical markets and has grown organically and through acquisition since 1999. Over 1,000 firms in the UK and Europe rely on XKO's products and services. Marlin Equity Partners acquired the formerly AIM listed business in 2006.
See xko.co.uk or contact Angela Kennedy on +44 (0)1932 570590 for more information.
About Marlin Equity Partners
Marlin Equity Partners is a Los Angeles, California-based private investment firm focused on helping corporate parents and shareholders meet their business development and liquidity needs. Marlin invests in businesses where its capital base, industry relationships and network of experienced managers can strengthen a company's outlook and enhance value. Marlin Equity Partners has a track record of creating superior returns for its investors by adhering to a disciplined investment approach aimed at building long-term value.
See www.marlinequity.com
Source: XKO Software Limited & CMS Software, Inc
For more information:
Peter Spasov,
+1 310 364 0100 ext.106
