2008-05-01. DS, the UK's leading public library management system supplier, has reached agreement on a merger with Axiell Library Group AB. With immediate effect DS becomes part of the Axiell Library Group family of companies.

The collaborative development agreement between Axiell and DS has been exceptionally fruitful, resulting in the development of Axiell Arena/DS Arena, the product which harnesses the power of social networking for libraries and local government. This cooperation has demonstrated how much stronger and more effective DS and Axiell would be as part of the same "family". We have therefore agreed to formalise this collaboration by incorporating DS into Axiell Library Group AB. The shared development capability of DS and the rest of the Axiell Library Group will lead to faster and more advanced innovation for the benefit of customers and end-users in the UK and the Nordic countries alike.

Nigel Pegg, Managing Director of DS, says: "The library and information world is increasingly looking for continuous product development and innovation. Axiell and DS are natural partners in this because of their experience, knowledge, shared values and dedication to the libraries and information sector. This has been evidenced by their successful collaboration over the past few months on the Arena project. The new arrangement will allow us to continue our growth in the UK, to benefit from Axiell's many years of experience with the library sector as well as using our own products and services for the benefit of Axiell's customer base. Customers in both regions will see significant benefits."

"At Axiell, we have been intending to search for international partners for a long time now," says Jerk Sintorn, managing director of Axiell Library Group AB. "Development costs in the industry are so high that partnerships are becoming more and more relevant. It is tremendously important that we adapt these developments to meet international standards and we have already been working closely with DS on this. Our new partnership creates even more opportunity. We are looking forward to the cooperation very much."

DS will continue to operate from its sites in Poole and Nottingham. Nigel Pegg remains as Managing Director of DS leading unchanged management and staff teams.