Oxford: CRM specialist Excitation acquired by Core

Microsoft multiple gold partner Core today announced the acquisition of Oxford-based CRM specialist Excitation in a seven-figure deal.

Core CEO Conor Callanan said: “Excitation is an outstanding company. Its CRM expertise rounds out our full cloud offering by providing CRM both on premise and online, and aligns Core with the Microsoft strategy of mainstreaming CRM, announced at WPC this year. This will consolidate Core’s position as the leading Microsoft gold partner in the UK.

"The acquisition makes Core a platform partner in the UK, and we are now a single source for Microsoft’s on-premise and online services which Microsoft has hailed as virtually unique.”

Callanan is not ruling out further acquisitions in the future. “There is ongoing consolidation within the Microsoft partnership space, as customers increasingly move towards full cloud partners and away from specialist boutiques. We’re always looking for opportunities to expand the breadth and quality of our services.”

Having recently expanded its London offices, Core plans to maximise use of the 4,000 sq ft Oxfordshire premises where the 14-person Excitation team will continue to operate.

Callanan has welcomed the principals from Excitation: Mark Dendy, CEO of Excitation, who will join the Core board as CRM director and David Jennaway, who will become head CRM Architect. “David is the UK’s longest-standing CRM MVP and the first of key MVPs we plan to add to our cloud teams,” he said.

Dendy said: “Having enjoyed gold partner status in our own right, we’re looking forward to introducing our clients to a new pool of expertise, and to being part of a fast-growing and highly-regarded Microsoft multi-platform partner.”