International software publisher and distributor Avanquest Software announced Wednesday that it has acquired Nova Development Corp., a publisher focusing on the consumer market, for cash and securities valued at US$48 million.
The combined size of Nova Development and Avanquest Software will make the company’s American branch one of the top five consumer software publishers in the United States, excluding Microsoft, according to Avanquest.
Avanquest Software, with global headquarters in Paris and a U.S. branch in Westminster, Colo., develops software and offers global distribution, product support and localization services mainly to small and medium-size developers. Through its worldwide network of subsidiaries and affiliates, it offers expertise in local markets and builds relationships with distributors and retailers.
With offices in Europe, the United States and Asia, Avanquest markets products in more than 100 countries through e-commerce, OEM branding deals and IT resellers.
Nova, in Calabasas, Calif., posted annual sales of about $32 million in 2006. It publishes and distributes more than 70 software titles for Windows and Macintosh platforms, including management tools for digital photos, such as Photo Explosion and the Scrapbook Factory series. Almost half of its annual sales are derived from products developed in-house, the company said.
