Consona Corporation to Acquire Intuitive
Strong International Expansion Continues With Second China Acquisition
Indianapolis (October 15, 2008) –
Consona Corporation, a leading provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software and services for companies of all sizes, today announced that it has completed an agreement to acquire Intuitive ERP-related assets from GrapeCity, an Intuitive value-added reseller (VAR) in China. Intuitive offers rich ERP functionality for manufacturers, including engineering, product configuration, shop floor management, financial management, and business intelligence. The GrapeCity acquisition is Consona’s second in China, indicating continued follow-through on its aggressive acquisition strategy and an overall international expansion to mirror its customers’ business direction.
As part of the GrapeCity acquisition, Consona will gain direct support of existing customers, as well as the intellectual property for software localizations and customizations leveraged by Intuitive users in China. Consona also gains talented product experts and professional services personnel, who will help maintain a seamless transition and provide essential Intuitive expertise in China.
Scott Malia, general manager of Consona ERP, said, “GrapeCity has done a fantastic job growing our Intuitive operations in China. As we execute on this merger, we will work with the GrapeCity team to create a direct sales, service, and support organization that meets the current and future needs of our customers. Today’s news marks an important step for Consona as we continue to build our presence in China–expanding our customer base and developing our team of manufacturing and software experts.”
“The Intuitive ERP solution has proven effective for our manufacturing customers,” said Peter Maclnnis, CEO of GrapeCity. “It has the right balance of functionality and ease-of-use for the Chinese market. We recognize and support Consona’s direct sales and service approach, and we are committed to helping Consona translate this into added value for our shared customers.”
Thanks to the efforts toward a seamless transition, GrapeCity Intuitive customers are already responding positively to news of the acquisition. “We use the Intuitive ERP solution and are pleased with its capabilities and the local staff,” said Mike Zhang, controller for Sensus Manufacturing Ltd. “We look forward to expanding our usage with Consona.”
The GrapeCity acquired assets will operate out of Consona’s new Shanghai headquarters. The headquarters also manages Cimnet Systems, Consona’s ERP software solution for printed circuit board engineering and fabrication. Over time, the Shanghai office will support multiple Consona product lines and add to an existing network of product experts.
“Since 1999, we have developed excellent customer relationships, operating from our Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Suzhou offices,” said Paul Dyhr, managing director of Consona’s China offices. “The Intuitive ERP solution has strong functionality for manufacturers in high tech, medical device and commercial equipment. We look forward to expanding our capabilities to meet the needs of our customers in those industries.”
According to Mehul Davé, vice president of international operations for Consona ERP, both the Grape City and Tprosoft acquisitions support Consona’s overall international expansion initiative, which aims to support its customers’ business direction into international markets. “Our Intuitive customers are growing their investments in China, and we want to provide the international service capabilities they need to meet global supply chain demands,” said Davé.
The acquisition is expected to close in January 2009. Specific terms of the agreement were not released.
About Consona Corporation
Consona Corporation (Consona, formerly known as M2M Holdings Inc.) is a worldwide leader in providing customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and services for companies of all sizes. Consona is dedicated to becoming a valued business partner by helping each and every customer continuously improve business processes over time. Toward this mission, Consona invests in the people, processes, technology and tools needed to provide its customers with a unique combination of customer care; product fit; a broad range of consulting, IT and business services; and industry expertise. Consona serves more than 4,500 customers worldwide and across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, financial services, health care, high tech, and local government. Battery Ventures and Thoma Bravo jointly own Consona. For further information, visit www.consona.com, e-mail info @ consona.com, or call (888) 8 CONSONA.
Source: Consona