Civica consolidates lead with acquisition of Practical Computer Services and electionz.com local government business
International acquisitions confirm market leadership in Australia and New Zealand
Civica has announced that Civica Pty Ltd, the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, has acquired in separate transactions Queensland-based Practical Computer Services Pty Ltd and the local government business of electionz.com in New Zealand. The acquisitions position Civica as the leading supplier of software and services to local government in the region with more than 250 local authority customers across all states of Australia and New Zealand.
The acquisition of Practical Computer Services, including the company’s local government customer base, software applications and associated assets, provides Civica with a significant increase in market presence, together with experienced customer service and development staff who will continue to provide ongoing support for Practical applications in line with existing arrangements. Practical staff will remain in the Toowoomba premises which will become Civica’s Queensland headquarters.
Similarly the acquisition of electionz.com’s Christchurch-based business gives Civica a strong South Island presence, adding further momentum to its expanding New Zealand customer base. The electionz.com local government customer service and support staff have joined Civica and will continue to provide support to customers.
Simon Downing, Civica chief executive, said: “This is an exciting development in line with our commitment to continually expanding our presence in the local government sector. The Practical acquisition provides an excellent opportunity to build our presence, particularly in the Queensland local government market, and clearly establishes Civica as the leading supplier to this sector. Meanwhile, the acquisition of electionz.com reinforces our commitment to the New Zealand market. In addition to expanding market share, gaining an office in the South Island is important in strengthening our presence in the country.
“Our current success and growth is further evidence that the market has a high level of confidence in Civica’s ability to provide a secure, long-term solution that delivers excellent value to local authorities”.
The announcement follows Civica’s acquisition of Fujitsu’s local government business in Australia and New Zealand in May 2008 and a spate of new contract wins in the past twelve months.