9 Jul 2007 07:00
Embargoed release: 07:00hrs 9 July 2007
SOPHEON PLC ("Sopheon") INVESTMENT IN KEY ALIGNENT PARTNER
Sopheon, the international software and services provider, announced today that it has acquired 19% of the share capital of Roadmapping Technology Limited ("Roadmapping Technology"), the European distributor of Alignent Software Inc ("Alignent"). As previously announced, Sopheon completed the acquisition of Alignent on 21 June 2007. In addition to software, Roadmapping Technology offers consultancy, training and support services, and since inception has signed up over 20 customers for Alignent in Europe including global leaders such as QinetiQ, TNO, Electrolux, Finmeccanica and Airbus, as well as a number of UK governmental and academic institutions. Roadmapping Technology also has close relationships with leading research institutions including the University of Cambridge and the Fraunhofer Institute.
Sopheon's investment in Roadmapping Technology advances its strategy of extending the indirect channel for its software solutions. In conjunction with the investment, which amounts to ‚£44,000, the parties have entered into a reseller arrangement with an initial five-year term. Under this agreement Roadmapping Technology will continue to offer Alignent's solutions in Europe alongside Sopheon's existing channels, with specific responsibility for the UK market. Sopheon will also have representation on the Roadmapping Technology board.
"We are delighted that Sopheon has chosen to invest in us alongside its acquisition of Alignent," said Chris Creighton Thomas, founder and managing director of Roadmapping Technology. "The transaction deepens Sopheon's resources and broadens its commercial reach. In addition, the combination of Alignent's and Sopheon's solutions will offer customers a powerful set of capabilities encompassing both strategic product planning and innovation process governance, which I believe is unique in the market. I look forward to enhanced growth prospects for both Roadmapping Technology and Sopheon."
"Sopheon's leadership in the market for product-innovation solutions is built on a blend of quality technology and differentiating process expertise," said Andy Michuda, chief executive of Sopheon. "Roadmapping Technology has followed a similar path to success. Roadmapping Technology is recognized as being among Europe's foremost authorities on the roadmapping process and their track record in selling Alignent products is visible in an impressive customer list. We have seen evidence of great potential for the Alignent line in European manufacturing markets. Our investment in Roadmapping Technology reflects our confidence in their business future, and our belief in their capacity to contribute immediately to Sopheon's growth in the region."
For further information contact:
Barry Mence, Chairman Sopheon plc Tel : + 44 (0) 1483 685 735 Arif Karimjee, CFO Sarah Wharry, Nom Seymour Pierce Limited Tel: +44 (0) 207 107 8000 inated Adviser Andrew Tan Hansard Group Tel : + 44 (0) 207 245 1100 + 44 (0) 7957 203 685 Floor van Maaren Citigate First Financial Tel : + 31 (0) 205 754 010About Sopheon
Sopheon is an international provider of software and services that help organizations improve the business impact of product innovation. The Sopheon Accolade‚® system automates and governs the innovation process, enabling companies to increase revenues and profits from new products. Sopheon is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and on the Euronext in the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.sopheon.com.
About Roadmapping Technology
Roadmapping Technology distributes Alignent Vision Strategist software to European organizations looking to improve their strategic roadmapping and planning activities. The company also provides technical support, hosting facilities and consultancy services. For more information, please visit www.roadmappingtechnology.com.
SOPHEON PLC