- CAI Software and Print ePS completed a merger of equals on October 8, 2025, forming a larger company under the CAI Software name.
- The combined business will operate three divisions—Process Manufacturing, Discrete Manufacturing, and Graphic Communications—with Print ePS becoming CAI's Graphic Communications unit.
- Brent Pietrzak was named CEO and Cort Townsend CFO, with STG remaining the lead investor.
- The company has 800+ employees across North America, Europe, and Asia, and ePS Packaging is being spun off as an independent software company.
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The merger of CAI Software and Print ePS reflects private equity-driven consolidation in manufacturing ERP and MIS software, especially in verticals with complex operational requirements. This move seeks both scale and domain specialization, positioning the merged company to serve diverse manufacturing environments — from food & beverage to graphic communications — under a single umbrella.
Strategically, the merger offers several advantages. First, operating three distinct divisions—Process, Discrete, Graphic Communications—allows CAI to deliver tailored ERP/MIS solutions while benefiting from shared operational infrastructure, R&D, and client support functions. For Print ePS, becoming the “Graphic Communications business unit” preserves focus on its specialized niche markets (commercial printing, publication, signage, mail-producing), giving clients continuity and domain expertise.
Second, leadership continuity combined with change suggests a thoughtful transition: new appointments indicate desire for fresh direction (Pietrzak and Townsend), while thanking outgoing leaders (Brian Rigney, Dan Vertachnik) reflects respect for their contributions and helps mitigate morale risk. STG’s continued investment demonstrates confidence, but also implies pressure to deliver growth and returns committed by a financial sponsor.
However, many details remain unclear—most notably financial terms (valuation, deal structure), integration plan, R&D/product roadmap, and competitive strategy in a fast-evolving ERP/MIS market. Risks include cultural integration, overlap in product lines, retention of key talent, and delivering technological innovation rapidly enough amid digital transformation.
On market positioning, the merger gives CAI stronger global scale, with over 800 employees and offices in three regions, which may improve customer support, sales reach, and ability to invest in technology. The shift to spin-off ePS Packaging as independent suggests focus or clarity on market segments—packaging is distinct but likely divergent enough to warrant separation.
Supporting Notes
- Official merger announcement date: October 8, 2025; formed as in ‘merger of equals’.
- New organizational structure: CAI with three operating divisions: Process Manufacturing, Discrete Manufacturing, and Graphic Communications; Print ePS becomes CAI Graphic Communications business unit.
- Leadership: Brent Pietrzak named CEO; Cort Townsend named CFO; outgoing leaders Brian Rigney and Dan Vertachnik thanked for ~3.5 years leadership.
- Investor: STG remains lead investor in new combined entity.
- Workforce and geography: Over 800 employees; offices across North America, Europe, Asia.
- Spin-off: ePS Packaging to operate as independent software company.
- Financial advisors: Evercore (for STG), Lincoln International (for CAI), Moelis & Company LLC (for Print ePS); legal counsel: Paul Hastings for STG.