Software firm snapped up as founder exits

David Hallam

ERP software solutions provider Wise Software – which trades as OrderWise – has been acquired by a firm that provides software to more than 10,000 small and midsized companies.

Forterro’s swoop for Lincolnshire-based OrderWise is expected to “significantly” expand the London-headquartered company’s presence in northern Europe.

The deal will add £18m in revenue to Forterro Group and see OrderWise founder David Hallam exit the business.

Forterro CEO Dean Forbes said: “We warmly welcome OrderWise, its people and customers. OrderWise and its products are a perfect fit with the Forterro vision and cements our position as the leading provider of software solutions for the industrial SMEs of Europe.”

Richard Furby, president of Forterro Northern Europe and group M&A, added: “Forterro’s portfolio of solutions for the midmarket manufacturing sector comprises a diverse range of local and vertical industry solutions. OrderWise has a core strength in the UK warehousing and distribution spaces, which when added to our acquisition last year of DACH-focused myfactory, means we now serve the needs of over 5,000 European customers in these two niches alone.”

Outgoing OrderWise boss David Hallam said: “This is a bittersweet moment for me. It will be one of my life’s greatest achievements to have built a business that has been able to help so many UK companies grow and thrive.”

He added: “The past two years have been our strongest to date. As we close in on another year of double-digit revenue growth and finalise the development of our browser-based version, OrderWise is in an ideal position for new ownership. I have been searching for a partner that would take this company to the next level, while allowing us to stay true to our roots and continue taking care of our customers. I am pleased to say that Forterro is that partner.”

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