AST acquires EPI-USE Logistics

AST Abraxas IT Solutions, a business unit of the AST Group, has acquired the SAP Logistics operation of the EPI-USE Group.

The 40 ex-EPI-USE Logistics employees will be incorporated into AST ERP Solutions, the SAP R/3 centre of excellence for the AST Group.

"The EPI-USE SAP Logistics division brings 14 years of SAP to AST, with particular specialisation in the Financial and Logistics SAP modules, including the Oil Industry Solution," points out Pieter Boshoff, GM of AST ERP Solutions. "This will increase AST ERP`s skills and foothold in the Southern African market."

AST ERP Solutions has expertise in all the functional modules of SAP R/3. It provides the total spectrum of ERP consulting services, including planning, implementation, operation and ongoing physical support of the system. It also offers a unique Service and Support Centre solution. AST ERP currently has one of the most effective professional ERP teams in Southern Africa comprising of 210 consultants.

The AST Group has established itself as one of the leading IT companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa. With monthly revenue in excess of R100 million, it is SA`s largest information and communication technology services company, independent of any vendor. AST is active throughout SA, with a growing presence in other Southern African states, Australia and the UK.

The EPI-USE Group is a global IT player, with operations in Africa, North America, the UK and Europe. EPI-USE has service partnerships in multiple countries with SAP, and strategic alliances on several accounts.

According to Jonathan Tager, EPI-USE Group CEO: "The selling of the Logistics business is an important step in the intensified focus of the group on advisory, deployment and outsourcing services in the area of SAP Human Resources and Business Intelligence (comprising Financial Analytics, Customer Relationship Management and Knowledge Management). EPI-USE also has a strong e-services capability, which pervades all aspects of our technology and service offerings."

There is no direct or indirect equity relationship between AST and EPI-USE Group, although there are project-based ties, at an operational level.

The acquisition will add to the ability and support of AST ERP`s SAP Customer Competence Centre (CCC) initiative, which provides for consolidation of expertise and standard solutions across a corporate group and optimised business process for AST`s clients. AST co-operates actively with its clients to ensure that their SAP R/3 Systems are implemented and run as efficiently as possible by providing access to a range of consulting skills and to a stable support environment.