By | John Oates 2nd September 2004 09:19

Merger mania continues for Sage resellers

BDE picks up Object Group

BDE Group is buying Sage reseller The Object Group Ltd. The merged company, which will trade as BDE, will have annualised turnover of £5.7m and employ 55 people in offices in Bristol, Clapham, Leeds and Worcester.

John Linney, founder of The Object Group, will be managing director of the company. Peter Reynolds, previously MD of BDE, will become chairman looking at growing the business and acquisitions. Bruce Fraser joins the board as a non-executive director, he has experience in investment banking and advising directors.

John Linney, MD of BDE, said: "The objective of the merger is to create the largest independent Sage Solutions business in the UK. As the market continues to get more demanding and complex, only those with a clear and unambiguous focus will prosper.

This means that we intend to further commit ourselves to the Sage brand and have no present intention to market other ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions."

Peter Reynolds, chairman of BDE, said: "Undoubtedly, the market place is consolidating and we think it imperative to develop both organically and by acquisition. We have a great story to tell, an excellent management team in place and an ambitious plan to grow by inviting other Sage business resellers to become part of that growth. ”®