By John Van Klaveren
EXPANDING Geelong education management system provider Sky Software has been acquired by a listed United Kingdom company, Tribal Group, for $21 million.
Sky Software chief Nick Stanley said Geelong was emerging as Australia’s Silicon Valley.
“We have the right skills, infrastructure and people for an IT software company to compete and expand globally.
“We continue to remain committed to Geelong and our global expansion, with Tribal, will allow us to continue creating and maintaining jobs in Victoria over the coming years.”
Sky Software employs 40 staff and aims to employ another 40 in the next three years to support its expansion, Mr Stanley said.
The Independent reported in December last year Sky Software received a $400,000 state government grant to establish a global support centre.
Combined Tribal and Sky Software will have more than 500 customers in 60 countries and 1400 staff in 17 offices.
“We have been working for some time on how to better support our clients internationally. One in particular has a presence in the UK,” Mr Stanley said.
“We are looking at better support delivery of software and services because for small company based in Geelong that can be a challenge.
“This gives us the sheer weight and muscle to ramp up to the next level.
“It’s a good outcome for the local market and jobs growth in Geelong and will lead to significant growth in our team.”
Mr Stanley said Tribal was attracted to Sky Software because of its regional location and the complementary technology behind their respective products.
“It fits in naturally because Tribal is similarly located in regional markets in the UK. I am keen to talk to Tribal about the opportunities for co-location here in Geelong.”
