UNIT4 invests in Ireland; Acquires MentecPlus
- Direct presence extends ability to deliver low cost of change solutions at time of significant economic change
- Software supports new Irish Public Service Reform Initiatives
Bristol, UK, February 03, 2012 – UNIT4 Business Software Ltd, the UK division of UNIT4, today announced it has completed the acquisition of MentecPlus Integrated Solutions Ltd, a provider of integrated IT business solutions to organisations in the SME and Public Sectors and sole distributor of Agresso Business World in Ireland since 1998. The acquisition also includes the IP for the M+ suite of products which are widely used throughout the UK & Ireland amd internationally.
The company will be renamed UNIT4 Business Software (Ireland) and will continue to sell and support both the Agresso Business World and Coda Financials product lines in Ireland.
There are currently 120 Agresso Business World and Coda Financials customers in Ireland, the majority in the public sector. UNIT4 is the number one supplier of financial systems to local government in Ireland and the UK with more than 170 councils across the two countries and is a leading public sector player internationally. In tough economic times UNIT4 has a fast growing reputation for innovation in the sector particularly around shared services, including a contract in Ireland with the Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB) which supplies Agresso under a framework agreement to 75 Councils, 14 Irish Institutes of Technology via An Cheim, and a large number of Universities, health organisations and government departments. This acquisition will further strengthen its presence in the Irish market.
UNIT4 now has direct operations in 25 countries around the world. Irish customers will benefit from being supported and managed directly by the UNIT4 team and will become part of a wider UK & Ireland operation, with greater resources and a bigger customer base in which to network.
“UNIT4 solutions are well suited to a shared services environment, and Agresso has helped us and a large number of organisations realise the benefits of reduced technology and procurement costs, increased flexibility and the sharing of knowledge and expertise,” said Derek Feeney, CEO of An Cheim. “Agresso’s flexibility and agility have supported members of the initiative through organisational change while continuing to meet stakeholder demands. This news comes at the right time for Ireland as business faces unprecedented change and a need for more operational effectiveness.”
Other Ireland-based UNIT4 clients using Agresso Business World include The Department of Transport, University College Cork, PMG Group, Coillte Teo, Certus, The Children’s University Hospital, Cork City Council, Church of Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency. Coda Financials clients include Barchester Healthcare, BWG Foods, One51, Quinn Group and Zurich Bank.
“Initiatives including shared services, cloud computing and open data are heavily emphasised in the Irish Public Sector Reform plan, and are areas where we can make a big difference in Ireland at this time of European economic change,” said Anwen Robinson, Managing Director of UNIT4 Business Software Ltd. “We are signing a growing number of shared services contracts throughout the UK as organisations look to save money and improve frontline services. Our proven and referenceable track record in delivering innovative business software with a low cost of change to both commercial and public sectors will continue to be be our differentiator as we expand our presence in Ireland.”
Prior to the acquisition, MentecPlus Integrated Solutions Ltd was a wholly owned subsidiary of Better Capital Limited (a London Stock Exchange quoted (BCAP) private equity investment fund).
For more information on UNIT4 or any of its operating companies, please visit the website at www.unit4software.co.uk.
MentecPlus On The Move!
We will relocate to new premises on Monday 6th December 2010. Read more
MentecPlus sponsors Sales Institute of Ireland Breakfast Briefing
We were delighted to sponsor the recent SII breakfast briefing held on Wednesday 17th November last titled ‘What IT Buyers Really Want’. Read more
MentecPlus website goes live!
We are delighted to announce the release of our new company website. The site has been designed with a fresh new look & feel and provides easy navigation to acquire information on the various products and services provided. The ‘News’ section will be updated promptly with information on the latest events, case studies, product information sheets, software updates, service offerings etc.. So please check out the site regularly.
Your comments and suggestions for strengthening our communications are encouraged and welcome…..
MentecPlus Client Retention
Continued emphasis on providing superior support for all products and services delivered to our clients has helped to ensure that, not only has all existing business been maintained, but new contracts have been agreed. Our support teams have responded to a record number of incoming calls during September 2010 and yet, the number of open calls at month-end has remained in line with previous periods. Our customers will be able to access the call-logging system directly from this new website
MentecPlus Board of Management
Nicholas Sanders – Chairman
Fiona Timothy – Chief Executive Officer
Dan Egan – Professional Services Director
Tony Hewitt – Operations Director
Dan continues to manage the AGRESSO-related business and Tony the MICROSOFT-related business.
Acquisition and name change announcement
Better Capital acquired Calyx Software Ireland on 10th September 2010. The deal protects the investments made by the Group’s customers whilst injecting new funding and financial strength. The new trading entity of the Calyx Software business in Ireland has been rebranded as MentecPlus Integrated Solutions Limited, trading as MentecPlus. A move to new premises is being planned for later this year.
Fiona Timothy from Better Capital has been appointed CEO and will manage the Irish operation directly. Fiona has been tasked with overseeing the restructuring process as the firm finds it feet under new ownership.
Calyx Software Ireland acquired by Better Capital LLP
Calyx Software Ireland Ltd was purchased by Better Capital LLP (a London Stock Exchange quoted (BCAP) private equity investment fund). Better Capital is a private equity firm which floated in 2009 raising £142 million. It is encouraging that such a substantial player, with experience in our sector, chose to invest in our business. After a period of uncertainty, we can move forward with renewed optimism and substantial investment for the future.
Agresso Australia
Irish Company to provide software solution to Queensland Government of Australia in a Landmark Education Sector Technology Contract
MentecPlus Integrated Solutions Ltd develops income management software which enables UNIT4 to secure a major contract with the Queensland Government Department of Education and Training
Dublin, (18th June 2010) – MentecPlus have today announced that their income management solution, M+ Income Manager software, has been selected as part of a significant deal with the Queensland Government Department of Education & Training in Australia. The M+ Income Manager software forms a core component of the AGRESSO Business World solution chosen by the Queensland Government to support the transformational ‘SmartClassroom’ educational initiative.
Read more
Colleges sign “one-stop shop” IT deal with MentecPlus
1st June 2010 – Colleges Northern Ireland (CNI) has signed a €3.5m million four-year contract with MentecPlus to provide managed services and a technology refresh across 47 College campuses. The IT specialist was selected by CNI, the representative body of the six regional Colleges, to be the single provider to educational facilities with wide-ranging and complex requirements. Read more