December 2017 - Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a market-leading global provider of software solutions to the retail, wholesale, merchant and distribution markets, has reached an agreement to acquire Lakeview Computers (Lakeview), Dartford, UK.
UK headquartered KCS already provides software to 14,700 customers worldwide, offering end to end ERP solutions including Supply Chain Management, Financial Management, CRM, Warehouse Management, Transport Management, Business Intelligence, ePOS, and more, specifically for the distribution and manufacturing markets. The acquisition supports the company’s strategy of continued growth and follows three other acquisitions during the last 18 months including one in USA and two in South Africa.
The Lakeview business is seen as complementary to KCS’s current product portfolio and market positioning. On completion of this acquisition, the KCS operation will provide solutions to over 14,950 customers and in excess of 190,000 users.
The acquisition has been welcomed by Lakeview and their products will continue to be maintained and supported. KCS will look to investigate opportunities for the Lakeview solutions leveraging off KCS’s existing infrastructure and product portfolio. While with all ERP solutions there will be a set of common functionality, Lakeview’s products are clearly focused on the SME market whilst K8 (the KCS product) offers scalability and covers a wider set of verticals within manufacturing and distribution.
Speaking about the acquisition, Ian Bendelow, CEO of KCS commented “This is a key acquisition for us. It immediately gives us a greater presence in the UK market and an increased platform for growth in our traditional markets. Fundamentally both Lakeview and KCS offer customers value via functionally rich solutions and continuous development that is highly responsive to our customers evolving needs. Lakeview and KCS are a great match.”
Lakeview will operate as an independent business unit of KCS with a new brand to emphasize the synergy with KCS. The entire Lakeview staff will be working alongside the KCS team to ensure the success of the Lakeview/KCS integration.
