Infor Global Solutions (www.infor.com) has agreed to purchase MAPICS, Inc., receiving unanimous approval from the MAPICS board of directors. The transaction is subject to closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and MAPICS shareholder approval.

Infor focuses exclusively on delivering enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain solutions designed specifically for the manufacturing and distribution industries. According to the company, the addition of MAPICS will allow Infor to expand its manufacturing solutions and increase its ability to compete in the global market. The combined company will have more than 17,500 customers in over 70 countries.

"Infor is building vertical market leadership by assembling proven, best-of-breed solutions and deep industry knowledge," said Jim Schaper, Infor's chairman and chief executive officer. "The combined company has the scale and resources to continue to support our extensive customer base while investing in enhancements and long-term product innovation."