Dublin, Ireland Thursday 25th, May, 2005

Phorest Buys Stylebase

Phorest, Ireland's fastest growing provider of salon management systems today announced that Stylebase, Ireland's largest supplier of salon management systems has become part of the company. The deal brings together Stylebase's strong client base and goodwill with Phorest's more advanced technology and renowned customer service record. With this deal, Phorest will be the clear market leader with more than 300 salon clients.

"It makes sense to combine our different areas of expertise. We will be able to offer our customers and Stylebase customers a stronger product and improved level of customer service" said Ronan Perceval, Director of Phorest.

Stylebase was founded in 1999 by Derek Kane who pioneered the development of salon software and management systems in Ireland. As part of the deal, Derek will join the Phorest management team. "I am very excited about the future of this conpany. The Phorest Team has a lot of very innovative new ideas which i can't wait to offer to my customers."

The Irish Hair and beauty industry is one of the country's fastest growing sectors, worth €597m in 2003, €90bn worldwide, and growing at over 20% per annum. As the market continues to grow and mature, salon owners now realise that computerisation is a vital part of the salon business. The art of selling to and retaining customers is only possible with a computer management system. Instant information and communication at the click of a button. At the moment there are approximately 6000 salons in Ireland and already 600 forward thinking salons, both big and small have installed a software management system.

"The computer fear factor has gone. Today's systems are so easy to use, they simplify life in the salon, and will guarantee an increase in turnover." John O'sullivan Of Young Nails and Jontom Salon Interiors.

Phorest will continue to support Memento and Stylebase products.

For more details contact

Ronan perceval
Phorest
10-11 Lr Liffey St
Dublin 1