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PARIS/SAN MATEO, Calif., DECEMBER 18, 2002- Paris-based BVRP Software
Group and Elibrium, Inc. today announced that BVRP has made a majority
investment in San Mateo-based Elibrium. Under the terms of the agreement,
BVRP will become a majority investor in the San Mateo-based developer
of small and medium-sized business and personal productivity titles,
including the best-selling MySoftware brand.
The transaction will dramatically enhance BVRP's network of international
software publishing operations including U.S., British and French
business units. BVRP's primary focus is software for mobile communications
and Internet security. Additionally, BVRP can now utilize Elibrium's
expertise to obtain retail distribution in the important U.S. market
where it has focused primarily on OEM and enterprise customers through
BVRP USA.
The agreement strengthens Elibrium's recently announced publishing
model by expanding its distribution network to Europe, reinforcing
Elibrium's competitive advantage in the growing software publishing
market. Furthermore, Elibrium may now capitalize on BVRP's well-established
OEM relationships and distribution channels for the MySoftware line
of products.
Elibrium, Inc. publishes more than 30 different software titles
including the best-selling MyMailList™, MyDeluxeInvoices&Estimates™,
MyDataBase™, and MyLabels™ and MyProfessionalBusinessCards™.
With more than 10 million users, Elibrium is the leader in the small
business and personal productivity sector and one of the top ten
professional software publishers in the U.S. with a market share
of more than 31 percent (Source: NPD Intellect). Elibrium software
is currently sold in thousands of outlets in the U.S., including
Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Fry's and CompUSA.
Elibrium adds to BVRP's portfolio of brand name titles it can provide
to its European distribution network and global Internet marketing
operations. BVRP's software publishing/distribution subsidiaries
include AB Soft in France and Kommunicate and Guildsoft, both in
England. The company also has partnerships with major distributors
MicroBasic in Germany and Questar in Italy.
Bruno Vanryb, chairman & CEO of BVRP Software, comments, "The
BVRP group is already present in the United States with almost 25%
of revenue posted through its subsidiary BVRP USA. The strength
of Elibrium's products, sales channels and management team will
allow us to make important headway and become the first software
publisher to apply a "global publisher" strategy. With
around 40% of our 2003 revenue realized in the U.S. and the ability
to offer software in all countries through all distribution channels,
it is with enthusiasm and confidence that we enter this new growth
era for the BVRP Group."
"After 15 years of leadership in developing and distributing
small business software, our model continues to mature as we offer
publishing services to partner developers in the U.S. and now in
Europe," said Christina Seelye, chairman & CEO of Elibrium
Inc. "The partnership with BVRP Software represents a strategic
opportunity for both companies, as it will enable Elibrium to meet
its channel expansion goals, while enabling BVRP to enter the American
distribution market. We are convinced that together, Elibrium and
BVRP will offer the most complete development and publishing solution
worldwide."
About Elibrium
For 15 years, Elibrium's best-selling MySoftware line of finance,
communication, design, and information management tools has saved
home office and small business customers time and money. Elibrium's
new publishing model provides high quality sales, marketing and
operations services to help software developers expand their sales
channel into retail stores. Since its founding, Elibrium has sold
more than 20 million products, which are available at more than
7,000 outlets including leading retailers such as Staples, Office
Depot, Office Max, CompUSA, Fry's and MicroCenter. Additional information
on Elibrium is available at www.avanquestusa.com.
About BVRP Software
With subsidiaries located in France, Great Britain and the U.S.
the BVRP Software Group, a worldwide leading publisher of communications
software, is also a major provider of personal and professional
software designed for Mobility, Security and Internet use. BVRP
Software products are marketed in over 100 countries, through e-commerce,
OEM partnerships and IT resellers. Ranked in the European Software
Top 50 by Infoconomist in September 2002, the group posted revenue
of $43.2 million in 2001. Since December 1996, BVRP Software has
been listed on the Nouveau Marché of the Paris Stock Exchange
(Euronext: 5478). For further information: www.bvrp.com.
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