Adding to its extensive credentials in the software sector, M&A Advisor, BDO LLP has advised Midlands-based Isys Interactive Systems Limited on its sale to The Access Group.

Isys is a leading best-in-class end-to-end ERP software and services provider to the waste management and food & drink delivery sectors. With offices in Derby and Horsham, Isys has developed all its software in-house to ensure highest quality standards are achieved.

The Access Group is one of the leading providers of business management software to UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific mid-market organisations.

The transaction, which was led by M&A partner, Roger Buckley, will enable Isys to expand its market-leading software by aligning with The Access Group’s ERP solutions and will be brought onto the Access Workspace platform, providing a single sign-on and integration with the wider Access portfolio.

Roger Buckley said:

“We’re delighted to have advised the shareholders of Isys Interactive Systems on a deal that brings together two complementary businesses that have invested significantly in recent years in the design and development of market-leading software solutions, targeting niche and highly specialised sectors.

“Operationally, Isys complements the Access portfolio of software in the construction and hospitality sectors and extends the range of services to their existing customer base. The combined business is committed to the continued development of the team and software to further the momentum shown by both companies.”

Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by John Heaphy and Maddy Scott at Freeths. John Heaphy commented:

“Both the sell side and buy side teams adopted an extremely positive and commercial approach to achieve what was ultimately their common goal. Of course it does help when you have great clients selling a fantastic company.”

Richard Bowers at Isys Interactive Systems added:

“It has been a pleasure working with Roger Buckley at BDO & John Heaphy at Freeths and their respective teams, both advisers at Isys for many years. There is a true quality in professional services that has been provided by both suppliers during the transaction process.”

Brendan Flattery, managing director of Access ERP, commented:

“Access ERP already has a strong footprint in many emerging, high growth sectors in the UK such as construction, manufacturing and facilities management, offering industry-leading solutions supported with core business management software, serving over 9,000 Access customers across the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand. We’re keen to add new and innovative software solutions such as Isys to the Access portfolio, which are tailor-made to support the growth of key industry sectors. With its focus on waste management in the UK, Isys is a perfect fit for our growing ERP solution set. We are really excited to be welcoming the Isys team into The Access Group.”

Richard Bowers, managing director, and Chris Kings, sales director of Isys, will be staying on at Access as members of the ERP leadership team.

Richard commented:

“Joining Access gives Isys a new level of expertise in the provision of integrated software solutions, an acceleration of our product development and allows our customers the opportunity to explore an even wider range of business solutions from one provider.

“My journey with Isys started over 27 years ago. I’m really excited to be joining Brendan and the team as part of the Access ERP business.”

Chris commented:

“Becoming part of The Access Group gives Isys many exciting opportunities. Our clients will see increased investment and development that will see our products flourish.”