POI brief on the AFS and Exceedra Merger
We recently completed a briefing with Exceedra and AFS about their recent merger. POI will share our view on this change in the market.
Firstly, POI believes this is an excellent strategic fit for both organizations. AFS has been a leader in the TPM and Retail Execution space. The AFS TPM offerings have been mainly focused on Tier 2 and 3 space in North America, and the AFS Retail Execution solutions are focused on Tier 1-2 companies globally. Exceedra provides a global Integrated Business Planning solution set to Tier 1 and 2 companies with a heavy concentration on TPM/TPO capabilities. The combined entity will offer Tier 1-2 companies an integrated solution set covering TPM/O, RetX and IBP capabilities with global coverage for a single vendor. For Tier 2/3 companies, they will offer a TPM/O solution that fully supports the needs of smaller, growing organizations. We see this multi-tiered strategy having high value in the market place.
From our conversations with company leadership, it is clear that all existing products in the TPM space will continue to be supported and developed, with additional investments being made to accelerate development across all solutions. There is a strategic goal to become leaders in the use of Machine Learning & AI, which is currently being used to some extent in both solutions. Both companies have strengths in different areas, with Exceedra having had exceptional growth and AFS having an excellent deployment track record. These strengths will provide the combined entity with complementary capabilities and assets to continue the global expansion.
We believe it is an excellent move by AFS to drive forward with the Exceedra branding. Exceedra is a leading brand and well recognized in the global market. There is a clear acknowledgment on AFS’ part, that previous owners of AFS poorly managed other acquisitions. Symphony Technology Group, the current owners of AFS since October 2018, have an excellenttrack record of ensuring that companies are highly customer centric and focused on growth.
The risks are the normal risks with any such merger. The acquiring company needs to ensure that it keeps the key players from the acquired company to ensure the knowledge, creativity, development and execution is maintained while gaining other synergies. From what we can see, both companies have recognized these risks, are taking the right approach, and initiating proactive client interactions to ensure success.
Overall, we are excited by this change in the market and believe it will be a benefit to existing customer and potential customers.
Have a sensational week!
Mike Kantor, CEO and Founder, POI mkantor@p-o-i.org
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