Celtech Software Group joins the HTEC family

Universe Group plc, the parent company of HTEC Ltd, is pleased to announce today that Celtech Software Group (Celtech) has combined with Universe.

Celtech is a developer of retail and wholesale management solutions (RMS) based in Dublin.

Its ab-initio software product is a class-leading, cloud-based RMS offering that gives large, multi-site operators a uniquely powerful modular suite operating in real-time and allowing them to control all aspects of their business with full reporting, insights and analytics. Approximately 14,000 users log into the platform every day to manage their retail and wholesale businesses and it has successfully processed over 38 billion transactions since its deployment.

As such, it meets the needs of Universe’s larger customers and broadens the Group’s customer base in the UK and Ireland with additional high-profile retailers.

HTEC Ltd, a member of Universe Group plc, provides some of the world’s leading retailers with point of sale, payment and loyalty solutions. With almost 40 years’ experience in the industry, its software is designed with the forecourt and convenience market in mind. Processing over 2.5 million loyalty transactions across five countries per day, 100 million payment transactions each year and 1.5 million stock files daily; it is committed to delivering ideal solutions for retail businesses, making them more efficient and profitable.

Jeremy Lewis, Chief Executive of Universe Group plc, commented:“We are delighted with this transaction as Celtech is a class-leading developer of cloud-based retail and wholesale management solutions. The deal allows Universe to offer the very latest in RMS technologies to existing and new customers and extends the group’s product offering into wholesaling and new geographies such as Ireland. We are very pleased to welcome Darragh onto the group executive leadership team and as a new shareholder in Universe.”

Darragh Fanning, Founder and Managing Director of Celtech, said: “We have a market-leading software solution for retail and wholesale evidenced by the breadth and quality of our customer base.  This transaction with Universe broadens and strengthens our product and service offering for our existing customers, especially in fuel, payments, infrastructure and support services. It also gives us the opportunity to quickly promote and support our offering to more customers.

We were attracted to Universe’s culture as well as their similar focus on the retail and wholesale sectors. They have an impressive track record with customers such as Asda, Morrisons, large forecourt operators and most major symbol groups. Their 250 employees, with 40 field engineers and 60 help desk staff provide first rate customer support. We are very excited about the prospects for the combined group.”