ERP vendors XKO Software Ltd and CMS Software Inc to merge

XKO Software Limited and CMS Software, Inc of Toronto, Canada have agreed to merge.  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 £25million) 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.