BLUE Software acquires KODAK Design2Launch business
By Canadian Packaging staff
Automation BLUE Software Design2Launch Diversis Capital The Eastman Kodak CompanyKODAK Design2Launch customers in pharmaceutical, CPG and retail industries join growing list of global BLUE customers.
CHICAGO and STAMFORD—BLUE Software, developers of BLUE, the leader in brand lifecycle management (BLM) software-as-a-service (SaaS), have acquired The Eastman Kodak Company’s Design2Launch software and services business, a leading provider of Brand Graphics Management technology, as part of its ongoing growth and expansion strategy.
The expert KODAK Design2Launch (D2L) team and technology expand BLUE’s established, market-leading position. The addition of D2L’s global brand customers solidifies BLUE’s dominance in pharmaceutical, consumer products, retail and industrial chemical sectors.
This is the second acquisition by BLUE and its financial partner Diversis Capital thus far in 2016 and demonstrates the continuing growth and technology innovation commitment BLUE has made to customers, and the marketplace.
BLUE Software will integrate D2L with their existing operations acquiring all technology, IP, customer contracts and employees. The combination brings a best of breed approach for pharmaceutical, consumer goods, and retail, and creates one of the largest skilled software development and services organizations with expertise in the sophisticated needs of customers in regulated industries.
The financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
“We are very pleased to welcome the Design2Launch team, customers and partners to BLUE,” says BLUE Software chief product officer Stephen Kaufman. “D2L has been an influential force in the workflow space for many years. Adding them to our team will be a natural addition to our technology portfolio and they definitely share our deep passion for our markets. The D2L organization and customers complement our leadership in the CPG, retail, and pharmaceutical space. In fact, we now count 8 of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies as BLUE customers.”
Kaufman further comments, “D2L’s agile development approach is already an embedded aspect of their culture, which will only accelerate our integration and development capabilities. Additionally, their team enhances our existing regulatory validation skills with additional methods, tools, and talents to bring continued value to customers and the marketplace.”
“Design2Launch is very pleased with the opportunity to join BLUE,” says Design2Launch vice-president and general manager Dennis Reaves. “BLUE’s commitment to industry leadership and investment in technology innovation is second to none. We have spoken with many customers and partners, and received positive responses and support for the acquisition. The cultural alignment between organizations gives me great confidence in the value that our customers will receive by combining the two.”
Current BLUE and KODAK D2L customers and partners can expect no disruptions, only improvements as a result of this acquisition, including faster product development and enhanced capabilities that arise from the combined strengths of both development teams. Customers will continue to receive support from their current contacts. All current customer, partner, and OEM agreements remain unchanged.
About BLUE Software
BLUE Software develops Brand Lifecycle Management software to help Consumer Products (FMCG/CPG), Life Sciences, and Retail companies achieve global visibility into the business processes that drive the execution and compliance of their brands efficiently across media worldwide. Its robust, enterprise-level software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform BLUE enables more than 81,000 users and 3,100 companies worldwide to work smarter every day with automated workflow, online proofing, digital asset library, and additional modules. Company information available at www.bluesoftware.com.
About Kodak
Kodak is a technology company focused on imaging, providing directly and through partnerships with other innovative companies, hardware, software, consumables and services to customers in graphic arts, commercial print, publishing, packaging, electronic displays, entertainment and commercial films, and consumer products markets. With world-class R&D capabilities, innovative solutions portfolio and highly trusted brand, Kodak is helping customers around the globe to sustainably grow their own businesses and enjoy their lives. For additional information on Kodak, visit www.kodak.com.
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