QPR Software Plc announced at the end of July that they were to acquire their process automation partner Nobultec Ltd and purchase 100 % of its shares. Nobultec is a service company that specializes in business process development in SAP system environments. Nobultec's net sales in 2010 were EUR 1,141 million and operating profit EUR 0,137 million. The company employs 12 people.

Within the last 12 months, QPR and Nobultec have intensified their co-operation, especially in SAP business process analysis projects that utilise QPR ProcessAnalyzer, a software product developed by QPR. The companies are currently working on several joint customer projects. QPR Software's CEO, Mr. Jari Jaakkola, said, "The acquisition of Nobultec will accelerate QPR's process development service business and brings new SAP system expertise to QPR. In addition, the deal increases QPR's resources to develop its QPR ProcessAnalyzer business, which is strategically important to QPR."

Nobultec's CEO, Mr. Mikko Mäki-Rahkola commented, "Joining QPR Software gives us the opportunity to further enhance Nobultec's process improvement capabilities and services. In addition, Nobultec's customers gain access to QPR's process development knowhow gathered and tested in the international markets as well as to the related and internationally recognised software products."

So, during this year QPR Software have shown good sense in developing a new niche market in process automation, firstly with the release of ProcessAnalzer (see Automating Business Process Discovery, IT Director, 17th February 2011) and then the release of SAP ProcessAnalyzer (QPR Software add SAP specific version to ProcessAnalyzer. IT Director, 17th March 2011). This latest announcement further strengthens their hand. QPR Software has developed a strong partner network in Europe and it will be interesting to see how that partner network rolls out the process automation story.

QPR Software has also been able to announce that their net sales rose to EUR 3.6 million, with an operating margin of 9.5% during the first 6 months of 2011. In the second quarter, QPR Software acquired several new customers for this product and their process analysis services in Finland: projects were delivered to Onninen Group, Outokumpu Corporation, Metsäliitto Group and to the Helsinki University. Software development resources for the product were increased in the review quarter.

International QPR ProcessAnalyzer business has also had a good start. QPR has initiated the first software deliveries and signed the first international reseller contracts in Europe and in the US. QPR aims at strong international software sales growth and significant market share in this new category and, in addition, invests in process analysis service development in Finland.