Articles
Sigma Micro LLC To Acquire Quark Commerce Product As Part Of Longer Term Multichannel Retailer Vision
June 13, 2006
Sigma Micro LLC, a provider of enterprise application solutions for multi-channel retailers, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Quark to acquire the intellectual property of its Quark Commerce software product. Sigma Micro has been providing systems to direct-to-consumer retail companies for over 23 years. This acquisition builds out the current product footprint and brings Sigma Micro closer to its strategic vision for fulfilling the future needs of the multi-channel retailer.
While specific terms of the deal were not released, Sigma Micro will acquire the application code and supporting documentation, hire key product personnel, and support the current users of the Quark Commerce product. Quark's sale of the product is part of an ongoing initiative to focus on its core design, page layout and publishing software business. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in early July 2006.
The Commerce Suite product, now known as Sigma Commerce Suite, includes seven modules -- from Sales and Order Processing to Warehouse Management. The suite is built on a Microsoft platform and will leverage the .NET work that Sigma Micro has already completed. The company will begin selling the application in the third quarter after some minor changes to the product.
"The Commerce Application Suite will be a great option for the company's existing customers and is a remarkable fit for our longer term strategic vision," said Sigma Micro President, Joe Swern. The company has been working on revamping its technology base to the most current technology available for the last nine months. "This allows us to build upon the work we have done bringing expanded functionality to our current customer base as well as to new multi-channel prospects."
"It was important for us to find a good buyer who would support and care for the Quark Commerce customer base," said Linda Chase, Quark President. "Sigma has an excellent reputation in the order management industry and is known for delivering exceptional support and services to its customers."
"This acquisition allows us to leverage our core business, expand our resources and be a product and technology leader," said Al Langsenkamp, Sigma Micro CEO and founder. "The forthcoming new product suite will help customers manage the end-to-end flow of information around orders, inventory and shipments with real-time visibility."
This acquisition is part of a broader vision that takes Sigma Micro beyond US-based operations. With the completion of the acquisition the company will have development groups in both North and South India.
About Sigma Micro, LLC
Sigma Micro, LLC is a leading provider of enterprise application solutions for multi-channel retailers. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Sigma Micro was founded in 1983 and is privately held. Sigma Micro, LLC is the parent company to Ind-Sigma Infotech, Sigma's development arm in India with offices in Cochin and Chandigarh, India. The company's clients include notable retailers such as Sears, L'Oreal, Land's End, Eastbay, Drysdales, and WSS Media. For more information contact Jeff Long (jtlong@sigma-micro.com) or visit the website (www.sigma-micro.com).
About Quark, Inc.
Quark Inc. (www.quark.com) is an industry-leading software company providing design, production, and collaboration solutions that are transforming the business of creative communications. Quark has provided award-winning software for professional publishers since its flagship product, QuarkXPress, changed the course of traditional publishing. Founded in 1981, Denver-based Quark, Inc. is privately held.
