SAP To Acquire Retail Retail Software Vendor Khimetrics

SAP AG said Tuesday it intends to acquire privately help Khimetrics Inc., a U.S.-based enterprise software vendor whose products help retailers analyze how to price and position their products. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

SAP plans to integrate Khimetrics’ Java-based software into its SAP for Retail solution suite, which is built on the SAP NetWeaver platform. The move strengthens SAP's foothold in the retail space following its acquisition earlier this year of Triversity, which provides point-of-sale software and better positions the German software maker against its top rival Oracle Corp. Until now, SAP had to rely on partners to provide analytical pricing and forecasting technologies to customers.

"The addition of Khimetrics’ revenue management and price optimization solutions further extends our retail suite, allowing SAP to offer the most comprehensive and complete retail offering available to customers today," said Jim Hagemann Snabe, general manager of SAP's industry solutions group, in a statement. "Our acquisition strategy is focused and clear and differentiates SAP from its competitors. We’re continuing to strategically add companies that bring valuable functionality to our product suite."

Khimetrics' sales have increased more than 1,600 percent since 2001. Customers include Albertsons, PETsMART, Lowe’s, 7-Eleven, Sterling Jewelers, ShopKo Stores, Pamida and Big Y Foods.

SAP's acquisition of Khimetrics is expected to be completed in January 2006, subject to standard antitrust review. SAP said it intends to maintain Khimetrics' Scottsdale, Arizona facility and current staff of 130 employees.