Fourth merges with US HotSchedules

23-Jul-2019 - Last updated on 23-Jul-2019 at 09:15 GMT

Forces joined: the tie-up between Fourth and HotSchedules is believed to be the biggest of its kind

Hospitality tech firm Fourth, a company that provides outlets with workforce management and cost-control software, has merged with a US partner to become what is claimed to be the world’s largest provider of end-to-end hospitality management systems.

Texas-based HotSchedules provides inventory management solutions for the hospitality trade, but following the merger, both companies will be able to offer a host of tech, including scheduling, time and attendance, applicant tracking, training, inventory management/procurement, HR/benefits and payroll services.

Dream partnership

Co-founder and CEO of fourth, Ben Hood, who is now the CEO of the newly merged company, said: “The merger of Fourth and HotSchedules presents a huge opportunity for growth and innovation.

“We are excited to join forces with a company that aligns so closely to our mission, values, history, culture and overall commitment to customer success. After overseeing Fourth’s journey to date, it is a dream partnership.”

The merger will allow HotSchedules to speed up its innovation, said its co-founder and chief customers officer David Cantu.

Largest players

He said: “As the two largest players in the restaurant and hospitality vertical, our combined strengths and industry expertise will ensure our customers have the solutions they need to solve complex business problems and remain competitive. We look forward to what the future holds and serving the industry together.”

The deal was backed by Marlin Equity Partners and will see the new company, which will be based in the UK and Texas, service 120,000 locations across the world from the US and UK to China, Bulgaria and the United Arab Emirates.