(2 June 2014, Emeryville, CA) Innovative, a global leader in library technology, announced today that it has acquired VTLS, a library automation solutions provider to customers in 44 countries. The combined companies will be led by Innovative CEO Kim Massana. VTLS’s products include Virtua, VITAL, Chamo, MozGo and FasTrac.
“This is great news for libraries around the world,” says Massana. “Innovative’s continuing strategic investment in service to libraries worldwide will result in enhanced support for VTLS’s established international customer base and diverse product suite.”
Dr. Vinod Chachra, Founder and former VTLS President and CEO, will take the role of Vice President of Global Expansion, reporting to Massana and play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition of customers, technology and products globally. Other members of the VTLS development, support and sales teams will join the Innovative management group.
The company’s current offices in Blacksburg, Virginia; Barcelona, Spain; and Selangor, Malaysia will be retained and become Innovative centers for operations, along with Syracuse, New York; Dublin, Ireland; and Noida, India. Emeryville, California will remain the company’s corporate headquarters.
As part of the transition, VTLS flagship products will be rebranded, incorporating the company name into the product name including VTLS-Virtua, VTLS-VITAL, and VTLS-Chamo Discovery. “We always appreciated the advanced technology and unique position that VTLS has enjoyed in the library community,” states Massana. “It was important that we didn’t lose the recognition and trust that VTLS has built over the years by continuing the VTLS brand within the product portfolio.”
“For over 30 years, VTLS has dedicated itself to delivering solutions that meet the unique needs of libraries and I am proud of all that we have accomplished,” says Dr. Chachra, “I believe that the combined companies will bring new resources and offer greater opportunities to customers in solving the challenges of the rapidly changing library marketplace.” “Innovative is committed to strengthening its support for all customers worldwide,” continued Massana. “Bringing our companies together will allow us to provide robust solutions and better support options to all our customers that will, in turn, allow them to better serve their users.” For more information on this news see the press release.
The announcement summary, a FAQ and implications for VTLS customers are here.
