Earlier this month, SAGE plc announced that they were selling off their ACT! and Sales Logix CRM applications which they had acquired around 2001.  More details can be found on this link to SAGE own annoucement.

These brands are being sold to Swiftpage, an existing MAS supplier and Sage's strategic partner for their email to CRM integrated marketing integrated solutions for all Sage CRM products including SAGE CRM.

Gary Perkins commented:-

“Whilst we are unsure of the logic in selling ACT! for instance, our view is that this will increase the investment in the SAGE CRM product and its continued integration path with SAGE’s financial products. Swiftpage have been a MAS supplier for around three years and we have always found them helpful and supportive.

With over 2.5 million ACT! Users, and after 25 years, ACT! still has a long life ahead of it offering great value for money. ACT! is still a great SME alternative to many Cloud based CRM systems, which rely on monthly or annual subscriptions and do not suit every client.  We will also able to offer a Hosted ACT! solution in the next few months as well.”

MAS will continue to monitor developments, but as with all changes of this nature, it may be some time, certainly towards the end of the year before we know more details about the future plans and strategy. Interestingly, SAGE will continue to hold a minority stake and the acquisition still needs to clear certain hurdles in US.