Frequently Asked Questions: Acquisition of Idiom

Announcement

Q: What have SDL announced?
SDL, the leading provider of Global Information Management (GIM) solutions, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Idiom Technologies Inc (“Idiom”) one of the leading providers of Globalization Management Systems, for $21.7m (£11.1m) plus the assumption of debt and working capital commitments of $4.9m (£2.5m) 

Q: Who is Idiom?
Idiom Technologies was founded in January 1998 with a mission to offer large global enterprises world-class software for simplifying complex globalization efforts. Idiom introduced WorldServer™ later that year. Today, WorldServer is a market leading globalization management system. Used by over 60 companies worldwide.

Q: Why is SDL acquiring Idiom?
SDL and Idiom have invested significant resources in the development of the Global Information Management (GIM) market. We believe that this market is at a turning point and expect to see substantial growth over the next couple of years.  Being part of the SDL group will allow SDL and Idiom to provide solutions to satisfy this market globally. Together we can create and deliver complementary technology and services that capitalize on this growing market momentum

Details of the acquisition

Q: When will the acquisition be complete?
It is expected that the acquisition will complete on 11th February 2008

Q: How much did SDL pay to acquire Idiom?
SDL acquired Idiom for a consideration of $21.7m (£11.1m) plus the assumption of debt and working capital commitments of $4.9m (£2.5m)

Q: Who proposed the Acquisition – SDL or Idiom?
The CEOs of each company have grown to know each other well over the last couple of years.  During that time there has been a growing, mutual appreciation and respect for their respective businesses and as individuals.  This was a mutual decision with the goal of further developing the market and GIM technology

Q: What does the acquisition mean for Idiom?
By joining SDL, Idiom will gain from access to SDL’s global presence and support and the financial stability of the world's leading GIM solutions provider. Longer term Idiom will be able to leverage SDL’s leading edge technology

Future of Idiom

Q: What plans does SDL have for Idiom?
Idiom will continue to be run as a wholly owned subsidiary of the SDL Group

Q: What will happen to the executive team at Idiom?
Mike Iacobucci, CEO of Idiom, will continue to serve as CEO of Idiom.  Mike Iacobucci will retain his senior management staff and report directly to Mark Lancaster, Chairman and CEO of SDL

Future for Idiom / SDL Products

Q: Will SDL continue to develop and support Idiom WorldServer?
Idiom and SDL are committed to serving the needs of our combined customers.  The combined company will continue to support WorldServer, in the longer term we will migrate to a single solution taking the best of all technologies

Q: Will Idiom continue to offer training and implementation services for Idiom products?  Who do I contact for those services?
Idiom will continue to offer both training and implementation services for Idiom products. For more information contact your sales or professional services representative.

Q: What happens to the User Communities and User Conference (WorldSummit)?
Users groups are encouraged to remain independently active and will be fully supported by Idiom. Idiom and SDL will evaluate the plans for future user conferences, including Idiom WorldSummit. 

Q: Will SDL integrate other SDL products (SDL AuthorAssistant, SDL MultiTerm, SDL KbTS, etc.) into Idiom WorldServer?
Over time SDL and Idiom will explore how the technologies of the two companies can be used to provide a broader GIM solution.

Q: If I have additional questions or concerns who should I contact?