BDE GROUP ACQUIRES THE SYSTEMS PRACTICE PLC

BDE Group, a mid-market Sage reseller, has acquired the Sage business from The Systems Practice Plc (TSP). The acquisition makes BDE one of the largest Sage resellers in the UK with a 13m turnover, 1150 customers and 120 employees based at six locations across the UK London, Worcester, Manchester, Warrington, Bristol and Ireland.  Customers will benefit significantly from a wider product range, delivered across an increased geographic spread by an expert team.

The move is intended to significantly strengthen the Customer Service delivery at BDE, bringing them closer to their vision of being the number 1 Sage Business Partner in the UK.
BDE currently hold the Sage Business partner of the year award for both Sage MMS and Line 500, and TSP has won the ISTUG (Independent Sage Tetra User Group) award for customer service for 3 out of the last 5 years. TSP also achieved the much sought after Sage 'Circle of Excellence' award for customer satisfaction in 2005.

As the market place consolidates, this is a clear demonstration of BDEs strategy to develop both organically and by acquisition. BDE has ambitious growth plans and wants Sage business partners to become part of that growth in order to enhance the integrated solutions offered to customers.

John Linney, MD BDE Group:-  "The acquisition of TSP by BDE delivers to our joint client base a number of significant benefits. We will offer a wider range of integrated products; we will increase our regional coverage and offer a greater depth of expertise. This merger is another important step in our long term vision to become the leading provider of integrated business applications to SME and mid market businesses. As the market continues to get more demanding and complex, only those with a clear and unambiguous focus will prosper."

Steve Crum, MD The Systems Practice Plc:- Its great to be joining BDE and doing our bit in their drive to become the biggest, best and most successful Sage Partner in the UK. Were looking forward to pulling out the very best elements of both businesses, and to deliver to our combined customer base, world class customer service levels and in doing so create, really involved, trusted customer relationships. Together we undoubtedly have the strongest and most passionate Consultancy and Support teams and were really excited by the huge opportunity now in front of us.  All existing and new customers will benefit from this merger as both organisations are committed to support, service and long term relationships. Both BDE and TSP have a significant, loyal customer and recurring revenue base. This merger will deliver true economies of scale and breadth of offering that will benefit the customer at every level.

Paul Stobart, CEO, Sage UK and Ireland Region:-  'The acquisition of TSP by BDE Group is a very welcome development. TSP's reputation for customer service, allied with BDE's strength and scale as one of Sage's largest and most successful Business Partners is good for customers of both TSP and BDE, and, of course, for Sage. We are delighted with the success that BDE Group continues to enjoy, and look forward to working closely with the team at BDE for years to come.'