Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a global provider of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and business management software has completed the acquisition of Vigo Software.

Bristol-based Shaw & Co provided corporate finance advice to Vigo on the deal while Michelmores provided legal support.

Vigo designs, builds and implements software and technology solutions for the logistics, haulage, warehouse and pallet network sectors, providing Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transport Management Systems (TMS) for over 200 clients across the UK.

KCS, meanwhile, is a market-leading cloud ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and business management software provider with over 34,000 customers worldwide. From offices in the UK, Europe, USA, Africa, the Nordic countries and Australia, the company serves customers in 76 countries and has 1,300 staff worldwide.

The combined Vigo-KCS solution will provide customers with improved stock visibility, capture logistics and operational efficiencies, as well as enhanced client service and communication. Vigo also offers real-time driver mobile applications with functionality such as route scheduling and electronic proof of delivery, which complements KCS’ growing suite of logistics and field service solutions.

Rob Starr, Partner – M&A, Shaw & Co, said: “This is an extremely exciting deal for the sector and the perfect outcome for all stakeholders. It brings together two highly innovative companies that opens-up adjacent markets, geographies and revenue synergies.

“Thanks to a dynamic market sector and a management team keen to develop its SaaS platform, Vigo received strong interest from both trade and private equity. There were a number of exciting opportunities, with KCS ultimately presenting the right fit.”

Shaw & Co has completed a number of transactions in the software sector over the last 18 months including:

• The recent sale of digital working papers provider MyWorkpapers to Bright Software, a leading tax, accounting, finance and payroll software company;

• The £9m sale of invoice-to-cash software experts Data Interconnect to US-based Blackline; and

• The £24m sale of The Safeguarding Company to TES (Times Educational Supplement).

Adam Kean, Partner, Michelmores, said: "It’s been a pleasure working with John and the shareholders of Vigo throughout this transaction. We wish Vigo the very best success in the future as they work on the long-term development of the business alongside KCS."

John Vickers, Managing Director of Vigo said, “I am delighted to announce our joining forces with KCS. Our combination represents an opportunity to provide greater value to our customers in terms of accelerating the pace at which we bring innovation and supply chain efficiency enhancing technology to our customers. For our team, this represents an exciting opportunity to grow together with the larger global organisation that is KCS.”

Ian Bendelow, CEO of KCS said, “We are excited to welcome Vigo Software to KCS. This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our journey to empower businesses to achieve significant improvements in the stocking and shipping of goods to their customers. With this acquisition we underscore KCS’ commitment to innovation, best in class industry specific functionality and providing market leading solutions to the logistics market globally.”

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