Swiss Post unit acquires Irish marketing software company

Swiss Post’s business services division Swiss Post Solutions (SPS) is expanding its presence in the Republic of Ireland, with the acquisition of a marketing software company in Dublin. The company said today its takeover of the Irish customer loyalty marketing specialists FMC Insights Ltd took immediate effect. The firms agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

FMC Insights, which operates under the brand 20-20 Insights, specialises in working with manufacturers and retailers to make the most of customer data from loyalty programmes, sales and market research.

It had already been working with SPS on a number of projects before being acquired.

SPS said 20-20 had made a name for itself “in just a short time” for its customer retention software.

“It has a strong client base in the retail sector and consumer goods market in Ireland and the UK,” the Swiss company said in a statement. “SPS will take over the company’s proprietary software and will thus increase its competitiveness in the customer retention segment in the key UK market.”

The Swiss Post unit added that following the acquisition, it would be able to offer its customers “even more comprehensive service packages”.

SPS now operates in 15 countries with an emphasis on the building on the opportunities between physical and electronic information and communications services.

Taking on 20-20 will add to the company’s customer relationship management services that already include bonus programmes, customer loyalty cards, coupons and promotional competitions that aim to turn occasional buyers into loyal customers.

SPS said making the most of customer relationship management was of “paramount importance” for consumer-facing companies in a “fiercely” contested market.