QAD, a publicly traded company based in California, has acquired Brighton-based firm
CEBOS.
Both companies specialize in creating software for manufacturers with QAD, a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ, being much bigger. It paid $5 million for CEBOS. CEBOS employs 33 people, mostly in Brighton, after hiring a handful of people in 2012.
"We expect it continue to run in Michigan," says Gordon Fleming, executive vice president & chief marketing officer with
QAD. He adds the main reason for this plan is to keep the current nexus of talent and expertise at the company intact by letting it remain in Michigan.
QAD specializes in creating manufacturing software for global companies. CEBOS makes software for quality management and regulatory compliance in manufacturing firms. It recorded revenues of about $4.5 million in 2012. It has about 500 customers, most of whom are based in the U.S.
QAD went ahead with the acquisition to add one more tool to its manufacturing software tool kit. It expects to grow CEBOS as the company's revenues and customer base continue to expand.
"Our vision is to help every global manufacturer become what we call an effective enterprise," Fleming says.
Source: Gordon Fleming, executive vice president & chief marketing officer with QAD
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.