IBS acquires software vendor Quatro

IBS has acquired Iberian software company QUATRO Information Systems (Quatro) as of July 2005. Quatro has 95 employees and 500 customers in Portugal and Spain and specialises in the area of logistics and warehouse management. The seller, Quatros Management, will continue to work in the new, consolidated unit, IBS Iberia Group.

The acquisition increases IBS market share in Portugal and Spain and creates a strong market presence in the region. The acquisition is part of the IBS strategy to expand the customer base in selected industries and provides additional channels for sales and implementation of IBS software solutions in Iberia. During 2004, Quatro had net sales of EUR 9 m. After the acquisition, IBS Iberia will have a total of 250 employees in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and Barcelona with 850 customers. The purchase price is based entirely on future results of the IBS Iberia over the next four years and will be paid in cash. A positive effect on IBS Group results of approximately EUR 0.4 m is expected during the second half of 2005. “The acquisition of Quatro is in line with our strategy to expand our position in the area of supply chain management solutions and to add sales and implementation resources in countries where we see an attractive market potential. The acquisition gives us a strong base for further expansion in Portugal and Spain in industries such as Pharma, Publishing, Electrical, Food, Automotive and others where we can be an international market leader,” says Magnus Wastenson, CEO and President of IBS. “Quatro has a strong position in the market with many large customers such as Alliance Unichem, Novartis, Hilti, Grundfos, Cockburns, Madeira Wine, Danone, Ferrero Rocher and Honda. IBS and Quatro have similar backgrounds regarding competence, market focus, customers and solutions. The merger of the two companies means a significantly increased customer base in attractive industry segments as well as increased resources to expand and increase profitability in Portugal and Spain,” says Richard Marques, MD of IBS Iberia. Rui Melo, MD of Quatro, comments on the acquisition: ”Becoming part of the IBS Group is positive for both Quatro customers and employees. IBS’ international presence, powerful software and technical solutions means that we can offer a wider range of solutions to our customers and provide even better customers service and local support”. For more information contact: Magnus Wastenson, CEO, IBS AB Mobile: +46-70 627 25 15 magnus.wastenson@ibs.net John Womack, Director Corporate Communications, IBS AB Mobile: +46-70 678 24 99 john.womack@ibs.net Richard Marques, MD, IBS Iberia Mobile: + 351-969 456 697 richard.marques@ibs.pt