Great Plains on a Shopping Spree
P.J. Jakovljevic - January 28, 2000

Event Summary

On January 6, in an effort to expand its customer base and reseller partner channel Great Plains, a provider of financial management software for midsize businesses, announced it plans to acquire RealWorld Corp., a developer of accounting and business solutions. Through the acquisition, Great Plains expects to add over 20,000 mid-market customers and expand its channel capacity through RealWorld's partner network. Great Plains will gain over 65 team members located in Manchester, N.H., with development, marketing, sales, and business-management experience. The company says it plans to use the northeast office to provide consulting, training, migration, and support services to customers and partners. Great Plains will issue approximately 184,000 shares of its common stock and $5.5 million in cash. The deal is subject to regulatory conditions and is expected to close in late February...