Esker, a worldwide leader in document process automation solutions and pioneer in cloud computing, today announces the acquisition of CalvaEDI, the leading French company specializing in computer-based communications in the EDI Transport and Logistics sector.

A Strategic Acquisition

Since its creation in 1997, CalvaEDI has been one of the leading companies to popularize EDI technology in France. By choosing to build its development entirely on recurring revenue related to the use of its platform, CalvaEDI inaugurates a new economic model, very similar to that of cloud-based computing. Similar to Esker, CalvaEDI was able to focus on customer needs rather than technical aspects. Over the years, the company has developed a suite of services specialized for the transportation and logistics market, and has since become the leader in this sector in France.

Based in Paris, CalvaEDI achieved 2.3 million euros in sales revenue in 2014, up more than 5% over 2013. The acquisition represents immediate growth to Esker’s financial performance, given the strong recurring revenue, sound cost structure and high profitability of CalvaEDI. Integration synergies will further strengthen the financial interest of the merger.

The acquisition of 100% of CalvaEDI’s shares will be financed in part by Esker cash, the use (up to 20%) of shares acquired on the market and by bank support, including BPI France, the French government-owned investment bank. To demonstrate their confidence in the success of the CalvaEDI and Esker alliance, the selling shareholders have committed to a two-year lockup plan for the Esker shares they will receive as compensation for the deal.

EDI at the Core of Intercompany Communications

For over 30 years, EDI has allowed businesses to automatically transmit business information (e.g., orders, invoices, shipping orders, etc.), significantly reducing costs, while increasing the reliability of the exchanges.

Until now, for reasons related to implementation challenges, EDI has primarily benefited very large companies operating in industries with very high volumes and integration levels (e.g., retail, automotive, chemistry, etc.). The advent of the Internet, combined with legislative and regulatory changes on the exchange of invoices in the public and private sectors in Europe, makes EDI an essential component of businesses’ document process automation strategy.

Esker believes that EDI will increasingly complement technologies typically implemented by customers in their automation projects. The company plans to open up the use of these technologies to smaller businesses and to companies in other industries, both through targeted acquisitions and agreements with technology partners.

Light Integration

Given its strong leadership position in its market, CalvaEDI will continue to operate under its own name as a separate entity from Esker. New services will gradually be jointly developed in order to accelerate CalvaEDI’s growth and to offer Esker customers, particularly those who have automated the order-to-cash cycle, the benefit of EDI technology integration.

The transaction is subject to usual audit procedures and should be finalized by April 2015.

About CalvaEDI

CalvaEDI is the leading French company specializing in computer-based communications in the EDI Transport and Logistics sector. Since its creation in 1997, the company has pursued a strategy of developing gateways between the different computer systems of its customers and those of their partners in order to facilitate the transmission, security and traceability of data. CalvaEDI is based in Paris, has over 300 customers and achieved 2.2 million euros in sales revenue in 2013.

About Esker

Esker is a worldwide leader in document process automation solutions. Addressing all types of business processes, from accounts payable and accounts receivable to order processing and procurement, Esker cloud computing solutions enable companies to automate the reception, processing and sending of any business document with one platform. Esker helps over 80,000 companies around the world to reduce the use of paper and eliminate manual processes while improving their productivity, efficiency and environmental impact.

With 41.1 million euros in sales revenue in 2013, Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. Esker is listed on the NYSE Alternext in Paris (Code ISIN FR0000035818). For more information, visit www.esker.com. Follow Esker on Twitter at twitter.com/eskerinc and join the conversation on the Esker blog at blog.esker.com.

Esker, Inc.Corporate Contact:Gina Leranth, (608) 828-6141gina.leranth@esker.comorInvestor Relations Contact:Emmanuel Olivier, 33 (0)4 72 83 46 46olivier@esker.fr

Citigroup Inc. Elks ON Wells Fargo & (NYSE:ESK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024 Click Here for more Citigroup Inc. Elks ON Wells Fargo & Charts.
Citigroup Inc. Elks ON Wells Fargo & (NYSE:ESK)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024 Click Here for more Citigroup Inc. Elks ON Wells Fargo & Charts.