Sage Group Trading Update
Acquisition of Swiss ERP software supplier
The Sage Group plc ("Sage"), a leading global supplier of business management
software solutions, is today providing an update on its trading performance
(unaudited) for the half year ended 31 March 2007. Sage confirms that it
expects results for the half year to be in line with expectations. Full details
of Sage's financial performance for the period will be provided in the interim
results announcement on 9 May 2007.
Sage also announces the acquisition of Pro-Concept SA ("Pro-Concept") for £7.5
million, paid in cash. Pro-Concept is the largest mid-market ERP software
vendor in French-speaking Switzerland, specialising in applications for public
sector and the watch/precision mechanics industry.
Pro-Concept was established in 1987 by three founders who will remain with the
business. The company has over 350 customers and generated revenues of £9.5
million in 2006 with operating profits of £826,000. The acquisition of
Pro-Concept is an important step in establishing Sage's leading market position
in French-speaking Switzerland.
Paul Walker, Chief Executive of Sage, commented;
"The acquisition of Pro-Concept significantly strengthens our market position
in Switzerland and gives us the opportunity to expand Pro-Concept's product
penetration into German-speaking Switzerland. With Pro-Concept, Sage is now a
leading supplier of mid-market products in Switzerland, with industry-specific
solutions for the key industries of watch-making and micro-electronics."
Enquiries: The Sage Group plc Tulchan Communications
Paul Walker, Chief Executive Julie Foster
Paul Harrison, Finance Director Stephen Malthouse
Cynthia Alers, Investor Relations Director
Tel: +44 (0) 0191 294 3068 Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7353 4200
Notes to editors:
The current average of analyst forecasts for the full year to 30 September 2007
is as follows: Revenues of £1,180m, EBITA of £289m, and pre-tax profit of £
254m. The current average of analyst forecasts for the half year to 31 March
2007 is as follows: Revenues of £586m, EBITA of £139m, and pre-tax profit of £
122m.
Pro-Concept is the leading supplier of business management software in
French-speaking Switzerland, with a diverse customer base ranging from Tag
Heuer and Cartier in the watch industry to Kronenbourg Suisse and Aéroport
International de Genève in distribution and logistics. For more information,
please refer to www.pro-concept.ch.
Exchange rate used for conversion from Swiss francs is CHF2.40/£.
The Sage Group plc is a leading global supplier of business management software
solutions and related products and services, principally for small to
medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock
Exchange in 1989 and now employs over 13,000 people worldwide.