PTFS Acquisition of LibLime Called Off
Companies couldn't agree on finances for Koha open source development and support assets
Josh Hadro -- Library Journal, 02/12/2010
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- LibLime assets will not be acquired by PTFS
- PTFS still plans to expand into other markets
- LibLime parent Metavore will continue current business focus
In an unexpected reversal late Thursday, the planned acquisition of LibLime by Progressive Technology Federal Systems, Inc. (PTFS) has been called off because the two companies "could not agree upon financial terms." Citing confidentiality provisions, neither company could offer any further details on the transaction process. The deal would have given PTFS significant assets and contracts to bolster its existing business supporting the Koha open source integrated library system (ILS).
PTFS's announcement of its intentions to acquire LibLime's assets made waves in the ILS automation industry in mid-January, just before the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting. There, at the RMG President's Seminar on changes in the ILS landscape, PTFS president and CEO John Yokley introduced the company as one that has primarily focused of defense and government contracts. But, he added, "that's going to change, given the events of the last week," referring to the acquisition announcement.
No change in focus
Yokley told LJ that the called-off acquisition would not affect the company's plans to expand into other library markets. Yokley also indicated that the change would have no bearing on PTFS's plans for its Digital Library System (DLS), a product that would combine the company's ArchivalWare content management and digital library product with Koha.
Marshall Breeding's original report for LJ indicated that Metavore, Inc.—of which LibLime is a business division—would "focus on business interests outside the library automation industry" following an acquisition of LibLime by PTFS.
Asked about Metavore's plans, LibLime CEO Joshua Ferraro said the focus of its business division outside the library industry would not change, adding that "Metavore's LibLime business division will also continue to be growth-oriented and we expect continued rapid expansion to meet the market demands." LibLime continues to sign new contracts for the development and support of Koha, Ferraro said. (He had no comment on whether LibLime would look for another buyer or partner.)
The status of LibLime's Enterprise Koha—a product offering premium features to customers first and to the broader Koha community later—remains unclear. Any major change to the product model, which has caused consternation in the Koha community, seems unlikely at this point given that PTFS is out of the picture.
Contact the author: josh.hadro@reedbusiness.com
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