Business software maker Best Software has agreed to buy
accounting-focused applications company Accpac International from
Computer Associates International for $110m. The acquisition is
expected to close next month.
Best Software, a subsidiary of UK-based company The Sage Group,
sells software aimed at small and mid-sized companies for handling
business functions such as sales, human resources, payroll and
contact management. Its products include ACT, Peachtree and
SalesLogix.
Accpac's portfolio includes applications for CRM, accounting,
human resources and inventory management. Its user base includes
540,000 customers, which will add to Best Software's existing base
of 1.8 million US customers, the companies said.
Accpac will be maintained as a brand, and most of the company’s
600 employees are expected to join Best Software.
Details of the merged company's organisational structure will be
worked out after regulatory approval of the deal. Computer
Associates said the sale of Accpac is part of its plan to leave the
business applications market and concentrate on management
software, such as its flagship Unicenter suite.
Stacy Cowley writes for IDG News Service
