Microsoft in secret talks with KPMG
Microsoft's charge into the accounting software market accelerated this week, after it was revealed it has been locked in secret talks with KPMG and BDO Stoy Hayward.
It is understood Microsoft Great Plains has been in under cover discussions with BDO for almost three months, a move that will see the firm become a mid-market reseller of the company’s software.
Senior figures from the software giant are expected to converge on BDO’s Epsom office tomorrow (Friday) to complete the deal.
A spokesman for BDO Stoy Hayward Software Solutions said: ‘The fact that Great Plains is now part of Microsoft was a major consideration for us. We need to be cutting edge and Microsoft Great Plains fits the bill, Great Plains has always produced proven solutions.’
Managing director of Microsoft Great Plains reseller Tenon Technology David Rankin, said: ‘We welcome the competition BDO will bring to the reselling market.’
Meanwhile, talks with KPMG are not so advanced, although a deal is expected to be struck before the end of the year, for the Big Five firm to join BDO as a reseller. A KPMG spokesman, said: ‘We have engaged in early dialogue with Microsoft Great Plains to find out about their strategy, but no plans or timetables have yet been set.’
The double deal will send a warning to rival accounting software companies of Microsoft’s intent to become the largest seller of accounting solutions.It also demonstrates how the firms are increasing the number of ways they generate revenue. Microsoft declined to comment.
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