Paragon Software Systems has announced the acquisition of a majority shareholding in one of its long-term business partners, Hull-based Axida.
Axida and Paragon already have a successful joint home delivery product in Paragon HDS, and Paragon is also integrated with Axida’s full HDi product. The two companies have a number of joint clients, including Argos, Dreams, Wickes, Wincanton, Indesit and IKEA.
Established in 1995, Axida was jointly owned by Wayne Holgate and Len Robinson. This share purchase coincides with Robinson’s retirement. Holgate will retain a large part of his existing shareholding and is fully committed to working with Paragon and continuing to head up the Axida business, jointly developing integrated software solutions for managing and optimising home delivery services.
Effective immediately, Axida will now be known as ‘Axida – a Paragon group company’ with the two operating as independent businesses.
“We have worked in partnership with Paragon for many years, and the combining of our expertise and resources makes perfect sense,” said Axida’s Wayne Holgate. “There will be significant benefits to our respective customers as there will now be a single supplier for their systems. With future developments, implementation and support being coordinated under one company, it will help consolidate our lead in the home delivery market.”
“Overall this represents a very exciting opportunity for both Axida and Paragon, and will enable us to really build our presence in the fast growing home delivery sector,” said William Salter, Managing Director, Paragon. “The deal also affords us the opportunity to sell Axida’s new proof-of-delivery software product, called fleXipod, to our large client base.”
Left-to-right in above photograph: Axida Directors Wayne Holgate and Len Robinson, with William Salter, Managing Director, Paragon Software Systems
