Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), a global ERP and business management software provider for distributors, wholesalers, retailers and the equipment hire industry, has acquired Palladium Business Solutions, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, along with its successful suite of products. Palladium Business Solutions is a long-established software provider servicing the distribution, manufacturing and accounting sectors throughout South Africa. The new combined business now has Approx. 13,500 customers and 75,000 users, a combined channel of 370 business partners distributing Palladium Business Solutions and KCS products throughout Southern Africa.

This acquisition is a further strategic investment for KCS as they look to grow and provide further expertise and business management solutions for the distribution industry worldwide. In addition, the acquisition heralds a positive new chapter for Palladium Business Solutions as the company looks to build upon its existing success.

KCS is a market-leading and award-winning ERP and business management software solution provider with over 31,000 customers worldwide, focusing on wholesalers, distributors, equipment hire and the automotive sector. The acquisition supports the KCS strategy of continued growth by focusing on its specific area of expertise and follows successful prior acquisitions of IQ Retail and Integrity SA.

Palladium Business Solutions has been delivering ERP systems to customers with a similar profile for over 15 years and is known for providing excellent services to its customers. Now as part of the KCS Group, the company can access the full range of KCS products, solutions and expertise, ensuring that they will deliver even more significant benefits to their customers from their offices in Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Kenya.

The entire team at Palladium Business Solutions will become an integral part of KCS Group, and together, they aim to grow significantly in a key strategic market.

Ian Bendelow, CEO of the KCS Group, said, 'This is a key strategic acquisition and our third of its kind in Africa, which is an important market for us. It strengthens our presence on the continent, expands our capability and provides a further platform for growth across the globe. The Palladium Business Solutions team have a great business; they understand their customers and the market intimately. Now as a part of KCS, they will have access to even more resources and solutions. I'm excited to see the opportunities accelerate as we offer customers, present and future, the innovation that they need in a changing world.'

Stephen Corrigan, Managing Director at Palladium Business Solutions, commented, 'Since our inception in 2005, we have steadily built a significant presence in Southern Africa and have developed a reputation for delivering top quality service. Joining forces with KCS now enables us to grow our footprint even further, as well as to expand our offering with access to more expertise and services for our customers to really help them drive the business forward. We are all very excited to join forces with KCS and look forward to our future growth within the group.'

KCS is an international vertical-specific ERP provider. Headquartered in the UK with operations across Europe, USA, Africa and Australia, +1,100 staff deliver services to 76 countries with revenues of over R3bn worldwide.