Softlink International Acquires UK Distributor

Softlink America’s parent, Softlink International announced the acquisition of its UK distributor, Softlink Europe this week.

The deal immediately strengthens Softlink’s position in the International Library and Information Management Industry with an Oxford-based office, staff and prestigious customers that include Birmingham Law Society, Eton College and Cambridge University.

Headquartered in Brisbane Australia, the acquisition now ranks Softlink International among the world’s leading library software and IT exporters with 4,000 additional customers extending from Europe to the Middle East and Africa.

With 25 years library industry experience, 10,000 customers across 108 nations and solutions in 13 major languages, the acquisition significantly boosts sales and export opportunities for Softlink across the UK, Africa and the Middle East.

Founded in 1983, Softlink today has offices in Seattle, Oxford, Hong Kong, New Delhi and Auckland and supports clients such as BP, KPMG and NBC in the US, Feilding Public Library in New Zealand and Curtin University in Australia.

The deal follows Kim Duffy’s commencement at Softlink as Chief Executive Officer in August last year. Formally of Internet Security Systems and Mincom, Duffy was appointed by Softlink’s Board of Directors to expand the company’s international customer base and distribution network of 30 offices and agents.

“I am pleased to announce this milestone as we build on a unique foundation of 25 years library management experience, a global distribution network, industry-leading products and customers across more than 100 countries.” he said.

“At a time where many home-grown businesses are concerned about the state of the Australian dollar, this deal represents fantastic export opportunities for Softlink. Despite the state of the world economy, Softlink is well positioned to support Government initiatives to improve literacy and learning and increases in Government spending,” he said.

Since establishment in 1983, Softlink’s customer base and range of information management solutions has steadily grown. A market leader with schools and consortia, Softlink has attracted prestigious customers across all library sectors, including 18 percent of New Zealand’s Public Libraries and most recently, notable Special Library customers include Manatt Phelps, John Deere, and The Appraisal Institute.

The acquisition deal leads into a week-long Global Forum chaired by Duffy at Softlink’s Brisbane head office. Attended by key executives from Softlink’s US, UK and New Zealand offices, the meeting will consolidate global market opportunities, strategy, and tactics for the company, its products and services.