Paragon Software Systems, Inc., Dallas, Texas, completed the acquisition in Axida, a UK-based business partner of Paragon Software Systems that develops integrated software solutions for managing and optimizing home delivery services. The acquisition ensures the continued investment in and development of the combined portfolio of home delivery products, which is key to the group’s future growth in the expanding home delivery sector, including Paragon HDS, a Paragon-Axida product integrating multi-channel order management with continuous route optimization.
“Overall, this represents a very exciting opportunity for both Axida and Paragon, and will enable us to really build our presence in the fast growing home delivery sector,” says William Salter, president and CEO of Paragon Software Systems. “The deal also affords us the opportunity to sell Axida’s new proof-of-delivery software product, called fleXipod, to our large client base.”
“We have worked in partnership with Paragon for many years, and the combining of our expertise and resources makes perfect sense,” adds Wayne Holgate, co-owner of Axida. “There will be significant benefits to our respective customers, as there will now be a single supplier for their systems. With future developments, implementation and support being coordinated under one company, it will help consolidate our lead in the home delivery market.”
Established in 1995, this share purchase coincides with co-founder Len Robinson’s retirement. Holgate will retain a large part of his existing shareholding and is fully committed to working with Paragon and continuing to head up the Axida business.
Effective immediately, Axida will now be known as “Axida—a Paragon group company.” Paragon and Axida will continue to operate as individual businesses.
Salter, along with Paragon’s Glyn Royles, sales director and COO; and Graham Cooper, financial controller, will join Holgate on the Axida board. The existing Axida management team and staff will remain unchanged.