CenterStone Technologies, Inc., an internationally recognized developer of Web-based sales order management software for manufacturers of sporting goods, recreation products, apparel and footwear selling through specialty retailers, has acquired Pulpsport, SA, headquartered in Paris, France.
Tom Detmer, president and CEO of CenterStone Technologies, commented, “We are very pleased that we have been able to bring our two companies together. Five years ago, CenterStone saw a trend by American manufacturing companies moving to expand their businesses in Europe. We made a commitment to establish a strong presence there and to position the company as the preferred globally-enabled solutions provider. In 2004, we established a strategic partnership with Pulpsport, and they became the exclusive licensee in Europe of iVendix, our global, multi-language / multi-currency sales order management application; we are now completing that process with the acquisition of Pulpsport. With our launch in Europe of Helly Hansen, Rip Curl, Billabong and others, the Pulpsport team has made tremendous strides at bringing an Internet-enabled, B-2-B marketplace to specialty retailers in Europe. As our North American clients grow globally, it is important to develop a stronger presence in the European market. European clients of Pulpsport also have a complementary interest the desire to grow in North American markets. Therefore, it was very logical for us to bring our two companies together to better serve our clients.”
Christophe De Lussac, CEO of Pulpsport stated, “Today's business environment is global. As apparel manufacturers are reaching out to the complex European consumer market, they require solutions providers who truly understand the global marketplace and have the products in place to meet those needs. This is a big step forward for both companies, and Im very happy for the employees and shareholders of Pulpsport. The combination of CenterStone's and Pulpsport establishes a true international company which is consistent with a product that is a globally-enabled B-2-B sales order management solution serving more than 25,000 specialty retailers. In Europe, we have found that suppliers are thinking more globally and want to create business efficiencies that make it more profitable to do business with retailers beyond the European continent. The combination of CenterStones software development capacity and our knowledge of the European market assures our clients continuing success, particularly in North American markets. This is a beneficial business combination that will enable us to be more effective in delivering high quality solutions and services to our clients in both North America and Europe.”
Detmer went on to say, “We believe that our expertise in lifestyle apparel, footwear, sporting goods and outdoor recreation will complement the specialty distribution channels that Pulpsport has pioneered in Europe. CenterStone's acquisition of Pulpsport creates an international company to go along with our globally-enabled solution. Between the two organizations, more than 25,000 specialty retailers will have access to our web-based B-2-B technology. As a result, vendors on the iVendix platform will see outstanding adoption rates on a global scale, delivering high returns on investment (ROI). ROI is driven through the combination of revenue growth and cost savings, both of which are a function of a vendors adoption rate (i.e. orders placed) through our on-line application. This combination of CenterStone and Pulpsport is about greater adoption and ROI for world-wide marketers.”
