Sibelius announces new acquisition

Sibelius acquires SequenceXtra from Sourceforce

Sibelius Software, the creative technology company and producer of the market leading Sibelius music notation software, has further strengthened its market leading position with the recent acquisition of a unique technology, SequenceXtra from Swedish based Sourceforce.

SequenceXtra is a sequencer developed by Sourceforce, the development of which was started in the IMUS project - a music education software project funded by the Swedish government.

The code is unique in that it allows a midi-sequencer to be combined with an easily customisable front end (for example, one made in Director) which allows it to be used in a multitude of ways.

There are currently over 150 licencees of the software some of whom are using it to drive commercial programs on sale around the world. The technology is also currently used in the critically acclaimed Sibelius Compass, a unique programme designed to help students learn how to compose. Compass is used in many schools and colleges throughout the world.

Sibelius will also be using SequenceXtra in new product development and the acquisition allows Sibelius to maximise the creative potential of the code and incorporate it into future innovations

Jeremy Silver, CEO of Sibelius Software commented,

"Sibelius and SequenceXtra are both about music innovation and creativity. SequenceXtra can be many things to many people which makes the potential possibilities for it very exciting. We're delighted to have acquired this tool from SourceForce Sweden. It is such a great means of encouraging educators and students to play with musical concepts and compose real music in a very easy-to-model environment."

The acquisition will enhance future product development and support the company's worldwide reputation for innovation.

Bjarne Nyquist, of Sourceforce commented:

"We feel strongly that SequenceXtra will find a good home with Sibelius and we hope that through its flexible and user-friendly working environment it will help Sibelius in its development of innovative and creative new products."

Notes to editors

Sibelius is one of the UK 's fastest growing and most successful technology companies and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2003, a year in which the company's product portfolio increased from 5 programs to 12 in twelve months. The company's reputation for well designed, easy to use, technically innovative products continued to grow. Numerous awards have been heaped on Sibelius again during the last 12 months, including the coveted gold badge from the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters for services to the music industry, the UK Music Industries Association 'Best Software' award, and a special award for contribution to music from Classic FM. Currently Sibelius employs over 60 people in its London headquarters and in its US subsidiary in Walnut Creek , northern California . The company sells its products in over 100 countries worldwide, including in Japan where it launched last summer and is distributed by Yamaha Music and Media.