Prophet 21 Acquires Systems Design

Nov. 10, 2003
YARDLEY, PA, November 6, 2003 - Prophet 21, the leading provider of technology solutions for durable goods distributors, acquired Systems Design, Inc.

YARDLEY, PA, November 6, 2003 - Prophet 21, the leading provider of technology solutions for durable goods distributors, acquired Systems Design, Inc.

"As the leading provider of technology solutions for the distribution industry, Prophet 21 is constantly searching for ways to strengthen its expertise among durable goods distributors to help its customers continue to increase sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs," said Chuck Boyle, Prophet 21 president and CEO, in making the announcement. "Systems Design, the provider of Prism, an enterprise software solution, is a powerful force in the durable goods distribution market and we are fortunate to be in a position to acquire them."

"Both Systems Design and Prophet 21 customers will benefit from this melding of Systems Design's specific vertical market expertise with Prophet 21's technology leadership and corporate strength," continued Boyle. "The combined forces of Prophet 21 and Systems Design make Prophet 21 the dominant technology provider in the tile and floor covering market."

This acquisition further strengthens Prophet 21's domain expertise in the distribution industry as a whole, while complementing its knowledge of the tile and floor covering distribution marketplace. Prophet 21 has more than 36 years experience in the distribution industry and serves several tile and floor covering distributors including, Arizona Tile, H.J. Oldenkamp, Sunderland Brothers, and many more.

In addition to Prophet 21's strong financial strength, stability, extensive research and development resources, value-based customer support, and domain expertise, the company's existing technologies for distributors - including Prophet 21 CommerceCenter, the leading enterprise solution, and Trading Partner Connect, the leading Internet trading network - and extensive array of Professional Services will offer Systems Design customers tremendous opportunities to increase sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs.

This is the second acquisition Prophet 21 has made this year. In June, the company acquired Faspac Systems, a leading technology provider for fastener distributors, as part of the company's strategic growth initiative. "Prophet 21's acquisition of Faspac Systems has exceeded expectations," said Boyle.

Founded in 1976, Systems Design has been a leading provider of enterprise software solutions and services for distributors in the tile and floor covering and other durable goods industries. Systems Design serves 238 distributors throughout the United States and Canada. These customers will join Prophet 21's customer base as Systems Design and Prophet 21 combine to form into a single entity called Prophet 21. Systems Design's products and services will be supported, developed, marketed, and sold by Prophet 21.