Epicor Eclipse Distribution ERP Introduces New Levels Of Efficiency

Epicor Software Corporation, a provider of business software solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail and services organizations, recently announced the general availability of the latest version of Epicor Eclipse, its wholesale distribution enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution for distributors in the electrical, plumbing and HVAC sectors. Eclipse v.9.0 features a refreshed user interface (UI) and technical innovations that foster business efficiency and productivity.

This version of Epicor Eclipse delivers a new user experience with a completely new main window, menu structures and navigation panels; a new Web widget to view other Web sites in the main window; and new "Metro-style" widgets with configurable widget size, color and notification method. The visually appealing, task-focused and user-friendly graphic interface of Eclipse v.9.0 will help employees accomplish more in their daily work and provide better customer service.

In addition, a number of innovations have been introduced to support increased business efficiency for distributors. These include a new volume rebate tracking system for vendor purchases, an eBulletin Board for critical announcements, an all-new chat-format messaging system, an improved central purchasing process, faster material returns, and new optional integration to Avalara for tax calculation and filing services.

For more information on the new release of Epicor Eclipse, call 1.800.776.7438 to speak with an Epicor solutions specialist, or email info@epicor.com.

Epicor Eclipse version 9.0 home screen 
 

Apax Partners Puts Epicor Software on the Block

Epicor Software Corp., a private-equity owned company that assists other firms with sales and supply-chain management, is on the block and seeking as much as $3.5 billion, said people familiar with the matter.

The company, purchased by London-based buyout firm Apax Partners for around $1.04 billion in 2011, is working with Jefferies Group LLC to seek buyers. Valuations for the company differ, but people around the deal say Epicor could fetch between $2.5 billion to $3.5 billion, including debt.

Epicor, based in Austin, Texas, serves the distribution, manufacturing, retail and services industries world-wide. It posted sales of $978.3 million in 2013 and carries about $1.3 billion in debt, according to public filings.

After purchasing Epicor, Apax merged it with another rival software-maker, Activant Solutions Inc., which was previously owned by Hellman & Friedman LLC, JMI Equity and Thoma Bravo LLC. In 2012, Epicor paid $155 million to acquire another smaller rival, Solarsoft Business Systems, from Marlin Equity Partners.

In 2012 and 2013, Epicor issued $340 million and $350 million of new debt respectively, to fund dividends to its private-equity owner, according to S&P Capital IQ LCD. 

A sale of Epicor would follow private-equity deals involving similar software companies. Earlier this year, Blackstone Group LP and GIC Private Ltd. paid $750 million for a minority stake in human-resources software company Kronos Inc. in a deal that valued the company at $4.5 billion including debt. And in late 2013, Hellman & Friedman acquired insurance software maker Applied Systems Inc. for $1.8 billion including debt.

Write to Mike Spector at mike.spector@wsj.com, Gillian Tan at gillian.tan@wsj.com and Dana Mattioli at dana.mattioli@wsj.com