ES&S buy Premier Election Solutions from Diebold

Monopoly anyone? If this goes through, are we all Diebolded? This just in. ES&S buys Premier Election and Data Information Management Systems Inc aka Diebold . Here's an article in the Ohio Plain Dealer and also an email from Aldo Tesi, President and CEO of Election Systems and Software, Inc. ES&S is buying up the stock and the assets. This has huge implications. This would make ES&S a virtual monopoly. Stay tuned as we find out more about how this will affect you. I am writing from North Carolina, a state where Diebold chose not to sell machines saying they could not meet our existing laws.

Diebold Inc. sells most of its electronic voting machine business
by Janet H. Cho/Plain Dealer Reporter Thursday September 03, 2009

GREEN, Ohio — Diebold Inc., the Summit County-based maker of automatic teller machines and bank security systems, has sold its electronic voting subsidiaries in the United States and Canda to Elections Systems & Software Inc.

ES&S, of Omaha, Neb., is buying all the outstanding capital stock of Premier Election and Data Information Management Systems Inc. and substantially all of the assets of Premier Canada in a deal announced this morning.

In return, Diebold gets $5 million cash, plus 70 percent of the cash payments collected through the fifth anniversary of the closing date on any accounts receivable existing as of Aug. 31 ...
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/09/die...

Here's an email from Aldo Tesi to an election official

From: AldoTesiES&S
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 10:15 AM
To: XXXX (name redacted) Subject: Election Systems & Software, Inc Announces the acquisition of Premier Election Solutions from Diebold, Inc.

September 3, 2009

Dear XXXXX (name redacted)

Election Systems & Software, Inc. (ES&S) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Premier Election Solutions, Inc. (PES). Both companies are excited about the opportunity to unite our experienced management teams and associates to meet the needs of our customers more effectively. Together we will continue to focus on our core mission of “Maintaining Voter Confidence and Enhancing the Voting experience.”

We will combine the strengths of both organizations to benefit our customers, and are confident the result will be a better, more efficient and effective operating model. This model will serve our customers well and provide a sustainable delivery platform for the election industry.

Because of the important role we play in supporting elections, we recognize the responsibility we have to provide timely assistance to all of our customers. You have placed your trust and confidence in us and our products and services. Rest assured, we will demonstrate the same level of commitment to delivering high quality services and voting solutions you have come to expect. We understand it is more important than ever that we meet and exceed our customer expectations during the upcoming elections.

Attached is a document which addresses key questions you may have regarding the acquisition. You will receive more information in the coming weeks. Should you have any additional questions or immediate needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We appreciate your business and your ongoing support of the work we do for you. We are excited about the future and look forward to enhancing our ability to meet the needs of all our customers.

Sincerely,

Aldo Tesi
President and CEO
Election Systems and Software, Inc.

Key Questions and Answers

Why did this acquisition take place?

ES&S and PES strongly believe the combination of these two experienced companies will allow us to serve jurisdictions more effectively by providing high quality voting solutions and services. We will combine the strengths of both organizations to benefit all of our customers. This combination will allow us to continue to innovate and create new voting systems, software and services that meet our customers’ evolving
election needs.

Will there be any immediate staffing changes?

ES&S and PES are committed to work closely with you as we combine the strengths of both organizations. We are committed to a smooth transition with no interruptions to the level of service and support for your upcoming elections. We promise to proactively communicate to you as changes occur. One thing will never change: our commitment to supporting customers’ election needs and requirements. Any upcoming elections will be supported in the manner our customers have come to
expect from our two companies.

Who do I contact for questions or assistance?

Unless and until you are advised differently, please continue to contact the same individuals you have in the past at the phone numbers and locations to which you are accustomed. Also, please continue to use the same email for on-line correspondence and current addresses for mailing any documents. As changes in phone numbers, emails and addresses occur, you will receive a notice in advance of the changes
to ensure you always have full access to our staff.

Who do I contact for any election related needs or questions?

Please continue to contact the same individuals you have in the past.
Both ES&S and PES are committed to providing you with a high level of
responsiveness for your upcoming elections.

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ENDS

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