UK-based aviation engineering and maintenance software company Communications Software (Airline Systems) Limited (Commsoft) has been acquired by Valsoft Corporation, a Montreal-based company specialising in the acquisition and development of software businesses.

Founded as a software house in 1971, Commsoft won its first airline contract in 1975 with Laker Airways and launched an MRO IT system the following year. Since its first association with the airline industry over 40 years ago, Commsoft has been continually developing its MRO IT system, now called OASES (Open Aviation Strategic Engineering System), a process that has been shaped in large part by feedback from its clients.

Chairman Gary Pollak, technical director James Stock, projects director David Pusey and managing director Nick Godwin are extremely proud of the company they and their employees, have built, and are optimistic about the company's future. Pollack says: “In Valsoft, we have found a cultural fit and an entrepreneurial team that we confidently believe will be able to help Commsoft continue to grow and evolve. We are confident our customers are in good hands, benefiting from a team of dedicated, passionate aviation professionals and the backing of a larger software organisation.”

The directors will remain involved to ensure a smooth transition, while Godwin will continue to lead the company as MD. Commsoft will continue to develop and support OASES, as well as all other products and services, providing a robust software solution to customers.

Valsoft co-founder and head of M&A Stephane Manos adds: “This acquisition is a milestone in Valsoft's growth. We are entering a new and exciting vertical, with a business that has a long history of providing high-quality mission-critical solutions. We plan to invest tens of millions in the aviation software space through additional acquisitions and the development of complementary technologies. As such, this will further build on Commsoft's reputation of customer success. We welcome the Commsoft team, clients and partners to our family and look forward to years of prosperous growth. We will do our utmost to ensure that the directors' legacy thrives and that customers continue to benefit from world class products and support.”

Communications Software's aviation engineering and maintenance system OASES supports over 130 aviation customers in over 55 countries and six continents, including national carriers, third party maintainers, regional carriers, leasing companies, cargo specialists, charter operators and specialist rotable stockists based in the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia.