Accountmate Software Cuts Work Force 20 Percent

Novato, Calif. (May 20, 2002) -- Accounting software company Softline Software on Friday eliminated 13 of 65 jobs at its Accountmate division.

Terminations include Michael Horn, Accountmate sales channel manager. David Dierke, executive vice president of Softline's other North American accounting software company, BusinessVision Management Systems, has assumed additional responsibility for Accountmate's channel.

The job cuts signal "a change in strategic direction," said Sofltine spokesman Brian Austin. "Murray Aston (Softline Software chief executive) inherited a mom and pop type of business with Accountmate and he wants to re-establish the company as a more professional enterprise, which means making difficult decisions like this one," he said.

South African-based international software company Softline Ltd. acquired Accountmate and Business Vision of Toronto in 2000 and created Softline Software as the companies' immediate parent. Horn, who was based in New Brunswick, N.J., was hired by Accountmate founder Ben Tse shortly before he sold the company to Softline; Tse terminated his working relationship with Softline in April.

--John M. Covaleski

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