FirePond Sets Sights On Brightware.

FirePond Inc., a provider of integrated e-business selling solutions, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Brightware, Inc., a supplier of e-customer assistance software. The acquisition leverages the strengths of both companies to create an intelligent sales and service

interaction suite to acquire and retain customers. FirePond expects the acquisition to extend its position in the eCRM market, adding Brightware's Contact Center and line of Assistance applications to its suite of e-business solutions. Brightware's customer base is aligned with FirePond's targeted vertical markets (financial services, telecommunications, high tech, retail and travel). The combined entity will deliver a range of intelligence and automation capabilities intended to drive sales transactions and manage customer interactions across sales and communication channels. FirePond will retain Brightware's San Rafael, California facility as its West Coast development hub. Under the terms of the agreement, FirePond wil l purchase Brightware for $9 million in cash and 3 million shares of its common stock.