Leading software publisher for the health care, education and public services sectors - Berger-Levrault opens its North American head office in Greater Montréal

MONTRÉAL, Sept.15, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Berger-Levrault International, a leading French software publishing company catering to health care, education and public services organizations, has announced the opening of its North American head office in Greater Montréal and the acquisition of Laval-based COBA and Québec City­based Exagon. The company, which already employs close to 70 people, plans to recruit new hires in the coming years.

"Our Greater Montréal subsidiary is our first overseas expansion project and the perfect gateway to North American and international markets," said Pierre-Marie Lehucher, CEO of Berger-Levrault. "COBA and Exagon are both top providers of management software for public sector organizations. COBA's expertise, coupled with Exagon's know-how, will help Berger-Levrault combine complementary software products and meet growing demand. What's more, we could also market solutions developed in Québec to our clients in France and around the world," he added.

The company enjoyed the support of Laval Technopole and Montréal International in setting up its new North American subsidiary.

"Berger-Levrault, which develops specialized products intended for specific sectors, will add value to Québec's highly diverse and competitive software market," said Dominique Anglade, President and CEO of Montréal International. "The software industry plays a major part in Québec's economy. Software is all around us, driving productivity and competitiveness across industries and bringing efficiency to businesses and organizations," she explained.

The Québec software publishing industry boasts over 200 companies, accounts for more than 7,200 jobs, and generates $1.4 billion in annual revenues. It is also highly innovative, investing around $100 million in R&D every year.

About Berger-Levrault (www.berger-levrault.com)
With close to 60,000 clients, over 1,200 employees and 120 million euros in sales, Berger-Levrault is Europe's leading multichannel publisher of information and management solutions. The company caters to education, health care, public sector and civil society organizations and helps them focus on their core business by providing them with a comprehensive offer, which includes products, services, consulting and training.

About COBA, Management Software (www.coba.ca)
Founded in 1979, COBA is a provider of integrated management software (ERP) for educational institutions and municipal organizations in Québec.

About Exagon (www.exagon.ca)
Founded in 2002 and based in Québec City, Exagon specializes in developing and implementing a suite of payroll, investment, and financial and human resources management solutions known as SOFE.

About Montréal International (www.montrealinternational.com)
Created in 1996, Montréal International is the result of a private-public partnership. Its mission is to act as an economic driver for Greater Montréal to attract foreign wealth while accelerating the success of its partners and clients. Its mandates include attracting foreign direct investments, international organizations and international strategic workers as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International, a non-profit organization, is funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.

About LAVAL TECHNOPOLE (www.lavaltechnopole.com)
LAVAL TECHNOPOLE is mandated by the City of Laval to promote and ensure the economic development of the City by attracting investments, hosting companies and supporting businesses on its territory.

SOURCE: Montréal International

Contact persons: Charles André Martineau, Managing Director, Berger-Levrault International Ltd., Tel.: [phone], [email protected]; Céline Clément, Public Relations Director, Montréal International, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]