Majority of companies continue to invest to stay competitive

London, UK, 15. February, 2011 – A recent global survey of over 160 European and North American manufacturing and distribution (M&D) companies has revealed the key actions that companies took to remain competitive during the global crisis and, crucially, what decisions they are now taking to ensure a successful future. The research*, commissioned by Lawson Software, looks at how the M&D sector managed to weather the crisis, what their priorities were and the key actions that were taken.

Despite over half (53 percent) of respondents describing themselves as “cautious”, the majority of companies (59 percent) continued to invest in process innovation during the downturn, with the same amount saying that they would continue to do so over the coming months. 44 percent described themselves as “optimistic”.

Key findings include:

• Eighty-five percent of executives were forced to make efficiencies in some form during the past two years
• Reducing lead times was one of the main challenges for companies surveyed
• Investments in innovative technologies and process innovation provide competitive advantage

“Reassuringly, the findings revealed that there are plenty of success stories in the manufacturing and distribution sector. We can pinpoint this to proactive business activities and smart investments made during tough times,” comments Charlotte Darth, Director Marketing Manufacturing & Distribution, Lawson.

Darth adds: “When it comes to the future, most survey respondents were cautiously optimistic or reassuringly positive. Few were pessimistic.”

*The survey covered all regions in Europe (83 percent) and North America (17 percent). At 57 percent, over half of the respondents comprised CIO/IT Managers, with responses from CEOs, Finance, Logistics and Production/Plant managers as well as industrial supply making up the remainder. Independent analysis of the data was conducted by experienced M&D researcher and independent business consultant William B. Johnston.

For a copy of the Survey Whitepaper ‘Surviving the downturn and staying competitive in the “new economy” – A global study of actions taken by manufacturing and distribution companies’, please visit Lawson Whitepaper

About Lawson Software
Lawson Software is a global provider of enterprise software. We provide business application software, maintenance and consulting to customers primarily in specific services, trade and manufacturing/distribution industries. We specialize in and target specific industries including healthcare, services, public sector, equipment service management & rental, manufacturing & distribution and consumer products industries. Our software solutions include Enterprise Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Business Intelligence, Asset Management, Enterprise Performance Management, Supply Chain Management, Service Management, Manufacturing Operations, Business Project Management and industry-tailored applications. Our applications help automate and integrate critical business processes, which enable our customers to collaborate with their partners, suppliers and employees, reduce costs and enhance business or operational performance. Lawson is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has offices around the world. Visit Lawson online at www.lawson.com. For Lawson's listing on the First North exchange in Sweden, Remium AB is acting as the Certified Adviser.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements contain statements of intent, belief or current expectations of Lawson Software and its management. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The company is not obligated to update forward-looking statements based on circumstances or events that occur in the future. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: uncertainties in the software industry; uncertainties as to when and whether the conditions for the recognition of deferred revenue will be satisfied; increased competition; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; continuation of the global recession and credit crisis; Lawson's ability to integrate acquisitions successfully; changes in conditions in the company's targeted industries; the outcome of pending litigation and other risk factors listed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lawson assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Lawson Software

Eva Richter
Media Relations EMEA
Tel: +49-89-99 65 40 34
eva.richter@de.lawson.com

Clea Herrmann
PR/ Firefly Communications
clea.herrmann@fireflycomms.com