Epiq Systems, who have recently released DocuMatrix 12, the international version of their document review software, have announced the further expansion of their UK business with the acquisition of Pinpoint Global Ltd. Pinpoint are best known for their proprietary processing / e-disclosure solutions. It is only a few weeks since Epiq acquired ECM, bringing its scanning, coding and general document-handling skills into the Epiq fold.

The press release speaks of Epiq as developing its international e-discovery business aggressively with significant organic growth augmented by select strategic investments. The word on the streets, or more specifically in the pub where I spent part of the evening, is that Epiq have got themselves some good people, quite apart from any processing ability. Epiq are in any event stronger than most of their rivals at straight-in processing, and might be thought to have less need of Pinpoint’s solutions than others. It cannot hurt to augment their capacity.

What does it mean for their respective UK clients? There is always some regret at the reduction in choice which is implicit in a joinder of forces in a market whch already has few players, and not just because it reduces the number of people who might take you out to lunch. Ringtail users will be keen to know what the change will mean for them – Pinpoint is a Ringtail Certified Service Bureau, and Ringtail and DocuMatrix are rival products. I can’t imagine that that customer base will be neglected in the new scheme of things.

The existing market – those who already buy e-disclosure services – will wish them well because both companies are respected for their products and liked for their people. The latent or potential market – those who will have to make a start with e-disclosure in 2008, and particularly the smaller players – will want to know that a fast-growing company which is developing its international e-discovery business aggressively will still have room for them.

My guess is that Epiq will continue to reach out to all ends of the market, partly out of a real interest in seeing e-disclosure take off in the UK, and partly because they seem to appreciate – as not all suppliers do – that the mid-market is where much of the growth will be.

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