ENGLEWOOD, CO — December 17, 2014 — Newly-formed Project AX (PAX), a company with its sights set on becoming a leading Microsoft Dynamics AX provider in the U.S., announces the acquisition of Microsoft Dynamics Gold Certified Partner MBS Dev, formerly a subsidiary of the Deerfield, Illinois-based United Stationers Inc. (NASDAQ: USTR); and the multinational Celenia Software, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
“In acquiring MBS Dev and Celenia, we have the knowledge, scale and capability to support the Microsoft push into the Enterprise space,” states Project AX Co-founder and CEO Thomas Ajspur. “We come out of the gate – day one – as one of the largest Dynamics AX providers in the US, but with a startup, entrepreneurial spirit that will mobilize our growth exponentially and make this an exciting place to work.”
Experts have long cited the growing need for consolidation within the US Dynamics channel to better scale and meet the needs of enterprise customers. Microsoft has made significant investments expanding the solution footprint of the Microsoft Dynamics products (ERP & CRM) which have successfully made them a strong upmarket player, as they also continue to strengthen their ecosystem of system integrators to provide the necessary business consultation offerings required to deliver ERP solutions in the enterprise space. Dynamics providers who can skillfully – and cost effectively – deliver more mature offerings, such as higher value-add Industry and Process consulting and Change Management capabilities globally, will differentiate themselves and enable a new breed of Dynamics clients.
“These two strategic acquisitions launch us into the market with proven and well-received industry solutions that we will continue to invest heavily in, as well as provide the capacity and global reach to execute on those investments,” adds Ajspur. “For over a decade, MBS Dev has provided strong software solutions for the distribution market, using their deep vertical knowledge to develop robust distribution industry IP for Cloud, E-commerce and Microsoft Dynamics AX. We look forward to working with United Stationers as we continue to provide best-of-breed solutions for their current customers, and Celenia provides us with the resources for building upon that IP and delivering it worldwide.”
While relatively new on the scene, PAX – which will rebrand under a new corporate identity in February 2015 – was founded by two highly seasoned Dynamics AX executives who have built their leadership team with senior leaders from Accenture, Microsoft and Deloitte that will lead key business functions. The founders, Ajspur and COO John Poulsen, each have over 25 years of experience with the Dynamics AX product line and have worked with AX since the product’s inception in Denmark. Collectively, they have been involved in building some of the largest AX practices in the US, selling some of the largest Dynamics AX deals in the world, and implementing some of the largest complex, multi-site, multinational AX projects to date.
"The Project AX leadership team has a well-earned reputation and a proven track record of success. Together with their solid business strategy we are thrilled with the benefits they offer Microsoft's customers,” said Neil Holloway, Corporate Vice President, Sales & Partners. “With Project AX as a partner and given their recent acquisitions, they are well positioned to take advantage of the growing interest among enterprise customers looking to move onto Dynamics AX and CRM.”
Adherence to optimal delivery practices are what Poulsen sees as the cornerstone of PAX growth. “It’s one thing to have technical product knowledge,” says Poulsen, “but you add real value to your clients when you can provide the business consultation and organizational change management they need to become more efficient and implement the best possible ERP solution overall. That added piece, along with our unwavering commitment to delivering solutions on time and on budget are what will set us apart in our industry.”
Danish by birth, PAX founders will imbue the new company with a corporate culture that pulls what they consider to be the best from both the American and Scandinavian ways of doing business. “We consider every member of the team family,” remarks Ajspur. “Work-life balance is important if you want to have a vibrant, excited team working with pride to achieve – or even exceed – company goals. By giving a voice to all team members, we’ll make the challenging work we do rewarding on all levels, and the workplace fun and dynamic. We will attract true visionaries, people who work hard to make a difference and have a positive impact on a customer’s business – the best Dynamics talent in the business – because of our empowering company culture and our attractive benefits and incentives.”
PAX will continue its strategic acquisitions of best-in-class Dynamics partners in the coming years. “We’re building a scalable model starting right off the bat with a team that has the expertise to deliver the level of professional services required to successfully compete in Enterprise accounts,” declares Ajspur. “Project AX represents the product knowledge, business consulting expertise, and global delivery capacity necessary to bring true business transformation to the enterprise market.”
About Project
AX Project AX is a Delaware company headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Founded in November 2013 by some of the industry’s most experienced Dynamics AX senior executives, the company’s objective is to become the leading Microsoft Dynamics AX & Dynamics CRM partner in the United States.
About MBS Dev
MBS Dev, Inc., provides industry-focused enterprise software solutions based on the Microsoft Dynamics AX platform. With a full range of services including professional services, maintenance and support, Gold Certified Partner MBS Dev services distribution companies in the U.S. and abroad.
About Celenia
Founded in 1999, Celenia offers development services and software products to Microsoft Dynamics ISVs and VARs worldwide. Celenia services includes a combination of “on-site” Solution Architects and state-of-the-art development centers to offer partners development services and products that fit both quality and profit requirements.
