The agreement allows the two partners to market Esker’s SaaS solutions to SME customers through the Neopost network
Paris — March 31, 2015
Neopost, the number two worldwide supplier of mail solutions and a significant player in the fields of communication and shipping solutions, and Esker, a worldwide leader in document process automation solutions and pioneer in cloud computing, today announce the signing of an agreement for the creation and operation of a joint venture to market cloud-based solutions to small and midsize enterprise (SME) clients worldwide, allowing for mail distribution as well as the automation of supplier and customer invoices.
Under this agreement, software as a service (SaaS) solutions, based on Esker’s on-demand platform, will be marketed by the Neopost network under the names and colors of Neopost’s distribution subsidiaries. The French and U.S. markets, where the two partners already enjoy strong market positions, will be targeted as the first priorities.
This agreement follows the great success of the on-demand mail solution pilot, Neotouch, based on Esker solutions and marketed in France by Neopost. Neotouch allows more than 500 Neopost France customers to automate the delivery of their documents via mail, fax, email or SMS.
Denis Thiery, Neopost’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are very happy to extend our collaboration with our partner Esker. This new agreement will allow us to enrich our offer of digital solutions for SME customers. These reliable and intelligent cloud-based solutions for the processing and automation of incoming and outgoing invoices meet the expanding needs of our customers.”
Jean-Michel Bérard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Esker, added: “The strength of the Neopost distribution network will allow Esker to provide solutions to SMEs worldwide. The SME market, where our presence is still modest, will significantly grow in the coming years.”
The joint company will be owned 70% by Neopost and 30% by Esker. It will be fully consolidated into Neopost’s accounts and accounted for using the equity method in Esker’s accounts.
About NEOPOST
NEOPOST is the number two worldwide supplier of mail solutions and a major player in the fields of communications and logistics solutions. Its purpose is to help businesses improve the management of their interactions with clients and stakeholders. Neopost supplies the most technologically advanced solutions for physical mail processing (franking, folding/inserting), digital communication management (customer communication management and data quality software) and process optimization for the logistics chain and e-commerce (from order taking to delivery, including traceability and associated services). With a direct presence in 31 countries and over 6,000 employees, Neopost posted annual sales of €1.1 billion in 2014. Its products and services are sold in more than 90 countries. Neopost is listed in Compartment A of Euronext Paris and belongs notably to the SBF 120 index.