In this role, the 33-year-old will be accountable for integration within the structures of the parent company as well as expanding the business activities of the Group.

"We have already begun to exploit the synergies resulting from the pooling of our competencies, customer groups and service portfolios. Ravenholm will benefit from the extended reach of PC-WARE, on the basis of which it will be able to gain better access to key accounts in the Nordic region, while PC-WARE has already initiated a process of knowledge transfer in the other direction by tapping the far-reaching expertise of Ravenholm Computing within the area of small and medium-sized enterprises," said Dr. Ingmar Ackermann.

As a member of the PC-WARE Group, Ravenholm will be able to deliver significant added value to its customers. One of the key benefits stems from the company's strong pan-European presence, complemented by its improved price structures, unrivalled know-how and the close rapport established with manufacturers of software and hardware. "Drawing on this experience, we will be able to enhance service levels, introduce greater transparency and provide improved efficiency when it comes to managing enterprise software. In addition to enhanced commercial viability, our portfolio also guarantees greater legal security within the field of software licensing", continues Dr. Ackermann.

Equipped with this unique selling proposition, Ravenholm is committed to driving growth and capturing additional market share. Within this context, the companies based in the respective countries are to be further expanded in the long term, with the express purpose of bolstering their domestic presence.

As part of the successful integration measures already implemented, the subsidiaries in Denmark, Norway and Finland adapted their logos, websites and marketing and communication instruments in line with the parent company's corporate design effective from April 1, 2006. Ravenholm Switzerland has already changed its name to PC-WARE Schweiz, while Ravenholm Linsoft Sweden will carry the PC-WARE company name from late 2006 onwards and is currently preparing its relaunch.

"The realignment of the Corporate Design is to be seen as a symbol of the future of our company. For many years now, the PC-WARE brand has stood for solid growth, expertise and innovation within the European market; its energy and dynamism reflect the Group's commitment to performance. We also wish to convey that the Ravenholm Computing team is proactively supporting the integration process," said Dr. Ackermann.

Five questions put to Dr. Ackermann:

1) Dr. Ackermann, what are the main challenges facing you as new CEO of the Ravenholm Computing Group? Which areas are you likely to focus on?
Continued growth at Ravenholm is at the very top of my agenda. Successful integration of the individual domestic enterprises within the PC-WARE Group is to be seen as the launch pad for accelerated growth, simply because this approach will generate synergies that can be translated into tangible benefits for our customers.

2) Will you be implementing restructuring measures?
There are likely to be slight realignments in the respective countries in order to provide a suitable basis for future growth. However, these changes will not involve measures generally associated with "restructuring". In other words, we do not intend to downsize our personnel base. Rather, the aim is to upgrade internal processes and structures, which in actual fact is likely to result in staff recruitment, as opposed to job cuts.

3) Which role will the North European companies play within the PC-WARE Group in the short, medium and long term?
Until recently, PC-WARE had established absolutely no presence in the North of Europe. With the acquisition of Ravenholm, this situation changed virtually overnight: having gained access to a strong local base, Europe's leading specialist in software licensing and software management is now in a position to supply its products and services in the Nordic region. This will mean tangible benefits for all customers. For those headquartered in the North of Europe and operating branch offices around the world, as well as for those based elsewhere.

4) What is your approach to integration and what will this mean for staff?
The initial phase of integration was about getting to know each other; this included the people with whom we shall be working in future, the existing product and service portfolio as well as the various internal processes and structures. My main emphasis has been on earning the trust of those involved and ensuring transparency. After all, this is the best basis for a successful and long-standing relationship not only within the company itself but also when it comes to serving our customer base.

5) Effective from April 1, Ravenholm will be sporting the corporate design of its new parent company. Why has the company name been retained and why has Ravenholm Linsoft chosen an entirely different approach?
If we promise our customers greater transparency, then naturally this has to be reflected in our own marketing and branding efforts. At the same time, however, we wish to use the outstanding reputation established by Ravenholm, which is why we have opted for an evolutionary branding concept. The first phase will involve adjustments to the corporate design, while the name is to be changed at a later stage.
In the case of Ravenholm Linsoft Sweden, the situation is slightly different, as this company is the product of a recent merger between two well-known enterprises. Rather than incorporating a third name, we have decided to introduce the new name of PC-WARE Sweden in autumn 2006.