4Front Technologies Inc, the London-based computer services group has acquired Penagen Training, the training division of privately-held UK services firm the Penagen Group, for cash totaling about $335,000. Penagen specializes in instruction focused on technical applications and project-based training – including Novell, Lotus Notes and training for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer accreditation. The company claims a strong UK client base and 4Front estimates that it will contribute at least $2m in revenues in the first 12 months after the deal goes through, and that it will be accretive to earnings in calendar 1999. 4Front says that, although the acquisition is a small one, it helps it to answer the demand for training services from both its existing customer base and the general marketplace. Beyond that, it recognizes the value of having enhanced in-house training capabilities for 4Front employees themselves.
