A SPECIALIST software company from Westhoughton is going from strength to strength with its latest multi-million pound acquisition.

Ascribe, who provide software to the healthcare industry, has announced an important strategic expansion with the takeover of Footman Walker.

The newly-acquired business, based in Hampshire, is a supplier of information systems to accident and emergency and minor injuries units in UK hospitals.

Stephen Critchlow, chief executive of Ascribe, said that the areas of expertise of the businesses complemented each other well.

He said: "Patient information systems are a crucial component of the Government's healthcare agenda for the NHS, and communicating patient information is vital, particularly in the area of A&E where time-critical life saving treatments are undertaken.

"The combining of our products represents a significant milestone for Ascribe. The acquisition is earnings enhancing and the business is expanding in a market where it is the recognised leader."

The company recently announced that Chris Moore, the former owner of Oldham Athletic FC, has joined as non-executive chairman.

Mr Moore said: "Ascribe is a market leading company, with an excellent product strategy and great potential in the high growth medicines management sector.

"I will work with the team to develop future growth strategy."

Ascribe currently commands more than 40 per cent of the UK market, with 120 hospitals as customers nationally and 41 overseas.

The company floated on the alternative investment market in December 2004, and is forecasting turnover of £7m with profits of £1m for the full financial year to June.

Mr Moore's former colleague Mark Woodbridge has also joined the group. Mr Woodbridge worked alongside Chris as group finance director at retail IT systems specialist Torex until 2003. Previously, Mr Woodbridge held a senior position at Tarmac, working in the UK and Malaysia.