Software aggregator Software Combined acquires Last Yard

Software Combined has acquired Perth-based Last Yard, a provider of marketing execution platforms dedicated to the retail industry. Retailers require flawless delivery of prices and promotions across all their outlets and online. Last Yard can execute this in real-time, dynamically, omnichannel, and in a controlled and auditable manner.

With its sixth acquisition, Software Combined has cemented its position as Australia's leading company dedicated to investing in and supporting established software businesses.

"We are excited to join Software Combined. Last Yard will continue to focus on delivering great outcomes for our clients, as we have done over many years, and joining Software Combined will accelerate the delivery of innovative software solutions," says Chris Stoyles, chief executive officer of Last Yard. 

"Established in 2000, Last Yard offers the best of breed software to engage and convert retail customers at the point of purchase. With heritage in the original 'shelf edge' of printed tickets, it is now at the forefront of the industry moving to new channels such as Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL), Digital Shelf Edge (DSE), mobile, screens and more."

"We have developed a powerful in-store marketing execution platform that seamlessly delivers data-integrated ads for the right product on the right shelf at the right store at the right price at the right time. With our automated proprietary business rules engine, we can show you how to develop meaningful promotions for customers at the point of purchase , drive your bottom line with minimal effort and allow your team to focus on delivering an outstanding customer experience."

"Last Yard is on a journey to help transform the in-store retail experience in Australia and internationally. Last Yard shows global retail powerhouses that Australia can lead the way in retail best practice, and they are an outstanding addition to the Software Combined family," adds Evert den Hollander, chief executive officer of Software Combined. "Established in Sydney in 2020, Software Combined's mission is to provide an opportunity for founders of software companies to exit their businesses with the assurance that the company they have built will continue."

"The operating environment remains somewhat unpredictable, particularly for IT business owners. We commit to grow the business, optimise operations, and inject capital for long-term growth. Software Combined offers to be the forever home."

"Our growth journey has accelerated in 2022 via organic and inorganic growth through the acquisition of five companies across five different industry verticals, adding talent and multiple products to the group and with a physical presence in seven countries and customer base in more than 70 countries. We are thrilled with the success of our portfolio companies and their growing client portfolio thanks to delivering great software solutions and services. Some examples to share: Mission-critical communication products delivered by Omnitronics are now being used by three large ports in Europe; Scope Systems continues to expand its customer footprint in Africa thanks to its leading ERP solutions for the mining and resources industry; and Energy Inspection started the modernisation of their energy rating software," concludes Hollander.