Merger begets Cognition

Two specialist accounting systems companies, Exol Business Systems and Systems for Business, have merged to form Cognition Solutions.

The companies have been working closely together for the past eight years, but have now decided they can better exploit opportunities by formally working together. The two firms have a combined turnover of #2 million.

As a result of the merger, Cognition will set up an additional customer development division, to be headed by Roy Davies. Michael Riley, managing director of Cognition, said the division would let the company find new business openings as well as better deal with existing enquiries.

He claimed the firm?s aim was to exploit emerging technologies to take advantage of its existing clients, particularly mobile developments. He also said the merger would allow the company to take more risks rather than staying static, and compete better against Tetra and Sun Systems.

Cognition?s presence in the construction industry has been given a large boost by millennium projects, and the merger will enable the company to deal with this growth in its business.

Most of Cognition?s new business comes from recommendations or referrals from existing clients. The company provides accounting and delivery systems. It hopes the merger will allow it to provide systems for its clients based on a better understanding of developments in their industries married to the use of emerging technologies.

Cognition is looking to recruit about 12 more people to cope with extra demand.