Markinson acquired by global software group

Peter Dinham
Friday, 16 December 2011 12:14

IT Industry - Deals

Brisbane-based specialist business software provider, Markinson, has been acquired by international software and services group, Constellation Software, part of the Friedman group of companies.

Under the deal, for an undisclosed sum, Markinson will join Constellation's Friedman Operating Group, and operate as an independent division within Friedman.

Ian Whiting, chief executive officer of Markinson, said today that while the deal significantly accelerated the company's growth strategy, on an operational level it would be 'business as usual' with the company continuing to trade under its business name, and no management or staff changes.

'This is an exciting development for both Markinson and its customers. For the last two years, through a series of acquisitions and strong organic growth we have strengthened our position in the local business software solutions market.  Our acquisition by Friedman now provides us with a stronger corporate platform to support our next phase of growth, while at the same time continuing to provide first-class service to our customers,' Whiting said.

Markinson specialises in the business software SMB market, and the Friedman Operating Group, headquartered in the US, specialises in complete ERP solutions for manufacturers and distributors of 'make to order' and 'engineer to order' products in the building products, capital equipment, and automotive sectors.

Commenting on the acquisition, Friedman CFO,  Eric Herrmann, said Markinson's established position in similar specialised markets and complementary product portfolio, provided the perfect fit for the group.

'The Markinson product offering will enable us to grow our presence in the distribution, wholesale and retail management market sectors across specialised industries and further penetrate the Australian and Asia-Pacific regions.'