Charter Software Inc., the maker of the Aspen Dealer Management System, announced last week Constellation Software, based in Toronto, Canada, has acquired the company. The new company will be called Charter Software Solutions Inc. and will operate under the Perseus division of Constellation. Charter Software’s offices will remain headquartered in Littleton, Colo. 

As the leading provider of business system software to agricultural, outdoor power, construction, industrial and golf cart dealers and distributors in North America, the acquisition of Charter further expands Constellation’s presence in the dealership management systems market. 

“We are pleased to welcome Charter Software’s employees and customers to the Constellation family,” Daniel Zinman, the Vice President of Constellation’s Dealership Software Group says. “Charter’s addition will provide us with further insight into the industries we already serve, allowing us to innovate in new and exciting ways across all our dealership software businesses.”

As part of the acquisition, Charter Software President/CEO Anne Salemo will be retiring from the business. Tracy Goodman, formerly Charter Software’s COO, will assume the role of interim General Manager reporting to Ajay Thakur, who currently oversees Constellation’s Ideal Computer Systems and c-Systems Software businesses.

In a letter to customers, former Charter Software President/CEO Anne Salemo states, “Everyone at Charter is committed to ensuring the smoothest possible transition for our valued customers and suppliers. ‘Staying true to ourselves’ is our guiding principle, meaning that the same great staff, offices and support are here to meet your needs. Constellation is committed to investing in the development of Aspen and will undoubtedly bring a broader range of skills to Charter.”