COINS is pleased to announce the acquisition of 100% of the equity of US based Shaker Computer and Management Inc.  Both companies address the construction sector, have a long association and their respective 'COINS' products have a common heritage beginning in 1990 when COINS Ltd purchased source code from Shaker upon which to develop its successful UK product.

Larry Sullivan, COINS Chairman comments, 'The acquisition is very low risk for us, funded completely from cash flow and purchasing both a team and client base we greatly respect and understand.  Most importantly our Construction Industry specific IT expertise now exceeds 2,200 man years.  We think that is unrivalled in any other individual IT or professional services company. All major or ambitious construction industry boards not using some aspect of COINS expertise should really consider why they are not.'

COINS is the recognized leader in the provision of solutions for the construction industry in the UK, having a 30% market share, including 32 of the 100 largest UK construction and house building companies and also has offices in Australia, Asia, Russia and Eire.

In the US COINS now incorporates Shaker in Albany and the existing COINS business in Dallas.  Shaker was established in 1978 and has over 260 client solutions installed throughout the United States representing $20 billion in construction annually, with a team of 60 supporting the operation.  Shaker has specialised in Mechanical Services Contractors; 3 out of the 5 top US Specialty Contractors are using COINS, whilst a number of major General Contractors are also clients.  The Dallas company is focused on the provision and support of 3D design systems for the construction, house building and services industries.

CEO Derek Leaver stated, 'The acquisition of Shaker provides us with a high quality software and services company, substantially adding to our worldwide operational capabilities. By integrating our products and services we create a great opportunity to deliver our market leading solutions in the US as well as enhancing our 24 hour support service.'

Dick Werner, founder of Shaker and a Civil Engineer with more than 40 years industry specific expertise remains as Chairman. Dick surmises, 'We are very enthusiastic about the combining of forces that make us an even stronger company with expanded resources. Both companies see it as a major step forward, and our intent is to become the only international firm devoted exclusively to the construction and related industries with a single high level product.'