Sentica Partners fuels a merger between IT service companies Descom and Integware
PRESS RELEASE
New Descom emerges as the leading eCommerce partner in Finland
Sentica Partners fuels a merger between IT service companies Descom and Integware
Private equity investor Sentica Partners merges Descom Oy and Integware Oy . IT service providers have agreed to merge the two companies to create a leading eCommerce provider in Finland. The company will continue as Descom Oy. Sentica Partners managed buy-out fund will own 70% of the merged company. The remaining 30% will be owned by 10 key persons of the company. The new Descom aims at strong growth IT services with IBM software solutions to become the market leader in eCommerce soloutions in Finland.
The merger creates a vendor of comprehensive range of IT services, specializing in eCommerce, business process and service automation and information management solutions. Descom service portfolio is largely based on IBM software customer-based tailoring and professional services for developing and supporting information systems. The services and competences offered by both companies complement each other and newly formed company is able to offer their customers a larger and more comprehensive service portfolio.
Mr. Mika Uotila, CEO of Sentice Partners, believes Descom to become a success story. “Demand in Descom’s core business area is increasing despite the global recession, because the solutions offered have a direct impact on the customer’s bottom line with better cost-efficiency or increased sales. The company aims at organic growth but we are also looking into growing the company with acquisitions. We have a strong believe to make Descom the leading eCommerce provider in domestic market”, states Mr. Uotila.
“Both companies have continued to grow in net sales and in headcount, despite the recession. By joining forces we take a major leap in the company’s roadmap. We had next to none overhead in Descom and Integware and our services really do complement each other. This makes the company even more noteworthy and versatile a service provider for our customers”, Mr. Juha Harju tells. Former CEO of Integware Oy will continue in the position in Descom.
“Both Integware and Descom have proven themselves by continuing their growth during uncertain times of economic recession. This is in itself a clear indication that both companies have a healthy core business and they have been making the right choices. This provides a fertile ground for growing together”, tells Mr. Timo Aarnio. He is the previous CEO of Descom and continues with the merged company.
Descom’s pro forma net sales in 2009 will be approximately 10 million Euros. The company employs 100 IT professionals in Jyväskylä and Helsinki. Descom’s customers include Metso, Landis+Gyr, the Finnish Defence Forces, Konecranes, ABB and Hobby Hall / Stockmann.
More information
Mr. Mika Uotila, CEO, Sentica Partners Oy
Phone: 040-553 6110, email: mika.uotila(at)sentica.fi
Mr. Juha Harju, CEO, Integware Oy
Phone: 050 440 8008, email juha.harju(at)integware.fi
Sentica Partners Oy
Sentica Partners is a Finnish private equity investor focused on medium-sized and small companies. Sentica manages assets to generate attractive financial returns for its investors by combining solid industrial know-how with sound financial expertise. The funds under Sentica's management amount to some EUR 150 million.www.sentica.fi
Integware Oy
Integware is a software company, focusing on developing and consulting business-critical software solutions for their customer as well as providing tools for their management and support. Integware is an IBM Software Premier Business Partner. Integware employs 40 IT professionals in Jyväskylä and Helsinki. Projected net sales in 2009 is 4 million Euros.
Descom Oy
Descom software solutions and services help customers significantly to gain more competitive edge. Descom is an IBM Software Premier Business Partner. Descom was founded in 1997 and it currently employs 60 IT professionals in Jyväskylä. Company’s net sales in 2008 was 4,7 million euros