Let’s Be Exact
Macola Software announced this week that it is being acquired by Exact Holding, a Dutch developer of accounting, logistics, and payroll software that has been looking to expand its share of the U.S. market. The companies did not disclose the deal’s terms.
The users of Macola’s flagship ERP product, the Progression Series, are mostly small to medium-sized business, the same segment being sought by Exact for its E-commerce system, e-Synergy. The Exact software is used in conjunction with its ERP back office systems.
The two companies’ combined workforce measures 2,000 employees. Both firms also use third-party consultants and resellers to market their products, and their competitors include Sage Software, Navision Damgaard and Great Plains, which is being acquired by Microsoft.
Miles of Aisles
A B2B firm partly owned by American Express, MarketMile, said it lined up Boise Cascade Office Products, Office Depot, and CDW Computer Centers, as suppliers for its office products E-marketplace.
MarketMile, which was started last year to target the office supplies market for mid-sized firms, says it expects to have more than 500,000 products, including office supplies and office equipment.
MarketMile has raised $46 million in venture capital, and in addition to American Express, its backers include Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Bain & Co., and eVolution Global Partners.
Northern Touch
Computer Associates’ interBiz unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers Management Consultants said they have signed a marketing agreement focused on Scandinavia. As part of the deal, Price will sell interBiz’ BizWorks ERP and E-commerce system in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.
The two companies had already cooperated on installing the system for one client, and decided to formalize the relationship. Price will help Computer Associates’ staff install interBiz at customer sites. BizWorks’ functions include financial management, supply chain management, human resources, banking, E-commerce, and customer relationship management.
Bits and Bytes
- Compaq Computer’s leasing arm, Compaq Financial Services, said it created a $300 million credit facility to help application service providers, Web hosters, and Internet service providers purchase servers and other Internet infrastructure equipment. Banc One Capital and Heller Financial are also contributing to the facility.
- Clarus Corp. and Deloitte & Touche have formed an alliance to provide packaged E-commerce software and services for large firms in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Deloitte’s staff will be trained on Clarus’ B2B E-commerce packages, including eProcurement, eMarket, Sourcing and Settlement.
- Ross Systems said it sold the rights to its human resources and payroll system to privately held Now Solutions for $6.1 million. After fees and expenses, Ross expects to realize a one-time gain of approximately $3.7 million. Ross will continue to sell the products to process manufacturers, while Now will sell it into other industries.
On another front, Ross has a March 9 hearing before Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications Panel concerning the stock’s possible delisting. The stock has traded below $1 since September, and Thursday it closed at $0.53. Nasdaq initiates its delisting process for any stock that closes below $1 for 30 consecutive sessions.
- Great Plains said it is working with Website Pros to develop E- commerce Web sites for users of Great Plains’ eSell software. Website Pros will work with Great Plains resellers and customers to create and upgrade an online presence. The price for eSell starts at $5,000, and Website Pros packages range from $3,750 to $10,000.