PeopleSoft Acquires Distinction Software

Not to be left out of the acquisitions game, PeopleSoft Inc. earlier this month announced plans to acquire Distinction Software Inc., an Atlanta maker of supply-chain planning systems. PeopleSoft's current enterprise resource optimization software for manufacturers was created from Red Pepper Software's product line that was aimed at the scheduling needs of discrete manufacturers. With the acquisition, PeopleSoft expects to gain new functionality for consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers. PeopleSoft will integrate Distinction's software into its own over the next year, beginning with inventory management and demand planning and forecasting. "The capabilities we will acquire from Distinction enable PeopleSoft to much more effectively meet the needs of our customers in the consumer products industry," says Rob McKelligan, vice president of product strategy at PeopleSoft in Pleasanton, Calif. "With demand for CPG solutions surging, this move ensures that PeopleSoft can quickly deliver advanced solutions to the market."