SSA Global to be Acquired by Infor

Combined Company Creates Third Largest Global Enterprise Software Provider

SSA Global, a leading global provider of extended enterprise solutions and services, today announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Infor, one of the largest global enterprise software providers focused on developing solutions for the manufacturing and distribution industries, will acquire SSA Global.

Under the terms of the agreement, Infor has agreed to pay $19.50 per share in cash to SSA Globals shareholders. The agreement was approved by SSA Globals Special Committee of independent directors, as well as the Board of Directors. The parties anticipate closing the transaction in the third calendar quarter of 2006. The closing is subject to certain customary conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals and SSA Global shareholder approval. Certain shareholders representing approximately 84% of SSA Globals outstanding shares have entered into voting agreements to support the merger.

With this acquisition, Infor will become the third largest enterprise software provider in the industry with approximately $1.6 billion in revenue, said Jim Schaper, Infors chairman and CEO. Infor has become a significant force in the industry by assembling and innovating market-specific, best-in-class enterprise software solutions, which provides customers with a flexible choice in the market.

"In a rapidly consolidating marketplace we have seen that size and scale matter, said Mike Greenough, chairman, president and CEO of SSA Global. This transaction brings value to all of our key stakeholders our investors, our customers and our employees.

The Special committee of independent directors was advised by Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP and received a fairness opinion from Houlihan, Lokey, Howard & Zukin. SSA Global was advised by Schulte Roth and Zabel LLP and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.

Infor was advised by Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Financing for the acquisition will be arranged by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Credit Suisse (USA) LLC and is expected to include a combination of senior secured first-lien credit facilities and second-lien debt denominated in both US dollars and Euros.