Accounts software provider Sage has acquired a rival in the Irish market for a sum understood to be in the region of €1m. The acquisition of Service Software Accounting Package (SSAP) will give Sage additional capabilities in the realm of taxation and submitting returns electronically as well as instantly receiving clients’ assessments online.
Since 2000, SSAP has been recognised locally in the Irish market as a leading provider of taxation software, services and advice to practices countrywide. Clients include accountancy firms PWC Ireland, KPMG Ireland, Ernst & Young, Deloitte & Touche Ireland, BDO and Farrell Grant Sparks.
SSAP’s flagship product TaxPro CT – Corporate Tax & Company Secretarial – is a management tool that allows firms to carry out comprehensive tax calculation and reduce charge-out time spent on completing personal tax computations and returns.
“The acquisition of SSAP adds complementary products to Sage’s portfolio and further supports our vision of becoming the undisputed leader in providing total solutions,” said Liam Mullaney, managing director of Sage Ireland. “SSAP has excellent products, the well known TaxPro brand and a substantial customer base. The strategic fit with our existing business is strong.”
Noel O’Regan, proprietor and managing director of SSAP said: “We are looking forward to combining resources with such strong product, service and financial partners as Sage. It is very important that we join forces with a company that is in the business of providing state-of-the-art software and related services. Sage’s and SSAP’s interests are completely aligned, so our customers will be the ultimate winners.”
The purchase of SSAP is the latest in a trail of acquisitions by Sage, which entered the Irish marketplace in 1999 and bought Apex Software. A strong acquisition strategy has boosted FTSE 100-listed Sage’s revenues to in excess of €20m per year. The company’s half-year results are due out tomorrow.
Sage employs 170 people in Ireland and is based in Citywest Business Park.
By John Kennedy
