Detica Group plc (Detica), the specialist IT consultancy, is pleased to announce that it has acquired the business and selected assets of Extraprise UK Limited (Extraprise UK), a consultancy and systems integrator specialising in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, for a cash consideration of £0.2 million.
Extraprise UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of Extraprise Group Inc; the UK company has recently been placed in administration as part of the financial restructuring being undertaken by the US parent company.
Highlights of the transaction
The transaction involves the transfer of 35 staff, the UK client list and certain fixed assets to Detica. Subject to future negotiation with Extraprise UK's current clients, the transaction is expected to include the novation of certain ongoing client contracts to Detica. It does not involve Detica assuming any liabilities of Extraprise UK.
The transaction enhances Detica's skill base as follows:
- It adds a number of business intelligence and analytical CRM experts to Detica's existing strength in this area.
- It adds an established change management practice, which will allow Detica to offer enhanced business strategy and organisational change services.
- It provides additional skills in certain operational CRM packages such as Siebel which are heavily used across Detica's client base and to which many of Detica's solutions must interface.
Tom Black, Chief Executive of Detica, commented: "We are extremely pleased with this transaction which enhances the skills we can offer our clients, particularly on the commercial side of our business. Extraprise UK is an ideal fit, enhancing our existing capabilities in intelligence systems development and introducing new skills. In today's competitive recruitment market, this transaction represents a rare opportunity to strengthen our team with an outstanding group of consultants. I am also optimistic that we can develop strong relationships with Extraprise UK's client base, thereby increasing our own footprint in the commercial market."
Jim Beagle, Chief Executive International of Extraprise, commented: "We are very pleased with this transaction because Detica offers a great environment and career opportunities for Extraprise UK staff. This agreement also offers continuity as well as a broader spectrum of services to Extraprise clients in the UK."