A long-awaited rationalization amongst the smaller ERP players has got under way with a possible takeover approach to JBA Holdings Plc, the struggling Birmingham, UK-based ERP vendor. After a sharp rise in its share price, JBA directors said they had received an early indication of interest which may lead to an offer for the company.
Shares rose 32% to 191 pence on the first bit of good news investors have heard in recent years from a company facing a deep crisis. Earlier this month JBA announced it was pulling out of the high-end of the market. It wanted to return to its SME roots and focus on its strengthen in four vertical sectors; apparel and footwear, food and drink, automotive components and the electronics industry (CI No 3,697).
