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Innovation

Sage considers MYOB buy

Sage Group has confirmed that it is looking into buying business accounting software specialist MYOB, which was snapped up by private equity and investment firms in 2009.
Written by Suzanne Tindal, Contributor

Sage Group has confirmed that it is looking into buying business accounting software specialist MYOB, which was snapped up by private equity and investment firms in 2009.

The Australian Financial Review reported earlier this month that owner Archer Capital was looking to offload the business, and had asked for bids.

The publication has since named a line of suitors consisting of other private equity firms, such as Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts and Bain Capital.

Last night, however, it said that pundits were tipping Sage as the front runner for the deal.

Now Sage has confirmed in a statement to the London Stock Exchange that it is "currently considering a potential acquisition of MYOB", adding, however, that there was "no certainty that it will proceed".

The AFR quoted estimates that placed MYOB's value at between $800 million and $1 billion. Archer Capital and American HarbourVest originally offered $443 million plus options for the company.

Since that time, software as a service (SaaS) has risen in prominence, with companies innovating into the cloud area. Xero is one cloud competitor that has been growing its Australian business.

MYOB released an SaaS product called LiveAccounts last year, but delayed its hybrid AccountRight version.

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