Cognos snaps up Guildford-based Relational Matters

Database giant Cognos has put Guildford software developer Relational Matters on the map with a $10 million pre-Christmas cash-stock buyout. Relational Matters is now wholly a part of Cognos, and all staff have moved across to the database manufacturer. The five-year old, 12-person UK company is best known for DecisionStream, a high performance business intelligence data integration tool. DecisionStream allows VARs can easily integrate their own applications and are no longer forced to piece together different products from various vendors. Cognos intends to integrate the technology into its own data mart product. Recreational Matters founder and CEO Peter Griffiths could not contain his glee at the acquisition. "We're very pleased. It's a great deal for everyone concerned," he said. Griffiths confirmed the company name was changing to reflect its new position as a division of Cognos, but was not so sure about what he would be spending the cash on. "I've no idea. Maybe I'll put it -- and the Cognos share investment -- towards my retirement." Cognos, which has about 900 VARs worldwide, revealed the acquisition after announcing its third quarter results ended 30 November. Sales were up 23 per cent to $76.3 million compared to the same period last year. ®