MICROS to Add More Jobs Amid Acquisition: Howard County Government

A company that The New York Times called "one of the most acquisitive in the corporate world" announced its plans to acquire a business based in Columbia.

California-based IT giant Oracle made it official on Monday that it will acquire MICROS Systems for $5.3 billion, according to a statement from Oracle.

MICROS, located in the 7000 block of Columbia Gateway Drive, specializes in software for the hospitality and retail industries. It facilitates business transactions like touchscreen ordering systems for staff in restaurants and online reservation platforms for hotels.

Oracle is an IT company that brought in $372 billion in revenue last year. President Mark Hurd said in a statement that the acquisition meant hospitality and retail companies could now benefit from "compelling advantages."

The announcement marked Oracle's twelfth takeover of a company 16 months and the largest since 2010, according to The New York Times, which called Oracle "one of the most acquisitive companies in the corporate world."

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said Monday that the acquisition would lead to job growth in the county.

“MICROS executives have given me strong assurance that Oracle is committed to the great business based here, and expects to grow and continue to add jobs,” Ulman said in prepared remarks.

"I know that MICROS is completing a real estate transaction in Howard County, and that will continue," Ulman added. "We welcome Oracle and look forward to working together to strengthen their investment in Howard County.”

The acquisition of MICROS is expected to close by the end of 2014, according to Oracle.