Advanced has acquired Livingbridge-backed specialist workforce management and resource scheduling software company, Kirona.
The company provides a mobile solution for businesses with field-based service teams in the public and private markets, with a particular specialism in social housing.
The acquisition will aim to strengthen Advanced’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) offering by extending the organisation’s ‘human capital management (HCM) capabilities for public, private and health & care organisations,’ according to the announcement.
Kirona
Kirona delivers a range of workforce management software; from task planning and resource scheduling right through to workflow and analytics tools and support services.
Its solutions drive the productivity and effectiveness of an organisation’s field-based workforce. And, its product portfolio also integrates with other IT systems, such as finance and HR.
As well as 80% of its revenues coming from the social housing sector, Kirona also has expertise in the central and local government, infrastructure, retail, utilities and health sectors where it has customers such as Balfour Beatty, Carpetright and North Lanarkshire Council. In addition, it has a strong partner network including Aareon, Civica, Northgate, BT and Vodafone alongside social housing partners shared with Advanced — Orchard and Capita.
The importance of AI in mergers and acquisitions
Gordon Wilson, CEO at Advanced, commented: “We’ve been very clear about our ambitious growth plans to become a market leader in vertically aligned ERP software solutions, both organically and through acquisition, and this deal is further evidence of our strategy in action. Kirona is a highly respected, strong performing brand in workforce management and represents a very strong opportunity to bolster our existing ERP capabilities.”
According to the announcement: ‘Kirona, based in Alderley Edge in Cheshire, strengthens Advanced’s presence in the North West being situated very close to its North West headquarters in Knutsford, Cheshire. Advanced’s work to integrate the two businesses will commence immediately building on its close proximity from a collaborative and synergy perspective, harnessing the Kirona team’s extensive experience, talent, skills and network to extend its combined ERP offering to Advanced’s 19,000 customers.’
David Murray, CEO at Kirona, said: “We are extremely proud of the business we have built based on innovation and strong customer delivery. The acquisition by Advanced is extremely complementary and represents a huge opportunity for us to combine our industry expertise and skills to drive significant growth.”
