Dell Plans to acquire ASAP Software

Dell announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Corporate Express, ASAP Software. The acquisition will strengthen Dell's existing software business by integrating ASAP's complementary expertise in managing software licensing, purchasing, renewals, and compliance.

Under the agreement, Dell will purchase ASAP for approximately $340 million. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. It is anticipated to close during Dell's fiscal third quarter.

"Merging Dell's software business with ASAP is part of our effort to re-invent and simplify the way our customers get access to IT," said Paul Bell, senior vice president and president, Dell Americas. "After the acquisition is completed, our customers will have one of the world's leading software solutions providers as a single point of expertise and accountability for software licensing, compliance, renewal and asset management."

ASAP is a provider of IT products and services to corporations and government organisations. Its subsidiary, License Technologies Group, specialises in licensing and e-commerce services for software publishers and their partners. Dell is increasingly being asked by corporate, government and institutional customers to deliver solutions that simplify software management. The ASAP acquisition is a key step in answering the needs of Dell customers.

"Maximising the value of our customers' technology investment is a hallmark of ASAP," said Paul Jarvie, ASAP president. "We're excited about the opportunity to leverage the systems, processes, and teams we've developed over the past 23 years to serve Dell customers."

Dell says the acquisition furthers its long-term initiative to radically simplify IT for customers by removing cost and complexity and making technology more efficient, manageable and flexible.

Dell's strategy, developed through direct conversations with customers, is that information technology should not be as complex as it is.
    * Customers should spend less on maintaining IT and more on innovation
    * Every IT project should not require an army of consultants
    * Computing should have minimal environmental impact
    * Superior information drives efficiency in an IT environment