ROGER SHOLANKI
When Agilysys announced in August it had acquired Book4Time , it marked one of the most noteworthy alliances in the spa industry this decade . In a phone conversation earlier this fall , Agilysys SVP Frank Pitsikalis and Book4Time CEO Roger Sholanki shared their perspective on the strategic union of their companies . Read on for their insights into the merger and its potential impact .
FRANK PITSIKALIS optimizing revenue and profitability .” The decision to join forces with Agilysys was driven by several strategic factors . With more than 1,400 developers in its R & D center , Agilysys brings formidable solution innovation capabilities to the table .“ This partnership significantly amplifies our ability to accelerate our solution evolution and expand our product offerings ,” Sholanki notes .“ The financial strength and stability of Agilysys ensures our customers will continue to be well-served over the long term with solution advancements that make a meaningful difference for their staff and guests .”
Trust and shared vision played crucial roles in the decision . The acquisition talks began naturally enough — a conversation between Sholanki and Pitsikalis on a flight back to their mutual home city of Toronto after the 2024 ISPA Conference — and advanced quickly from there .“ When meeting with Agilysys CEO Ramesh Srinivasan , it became clear that we shared the same commitment to elevating the guest experience ,” Sholanki explains .“ Combined with Frank ’ s extensive background in spa operations and hospitality technology , we knew we had found the right home for Book4Time to flourish .”
Extending advantages for customers Serendipitously , the acquisition addresses needs expressed by both Book4Time and Agilysys customers . Pitsikalis outlines the expanded possibilities : “ For our customers , we deliver integrated solutions that seamlessly share data and guest insights across their hospitality operations . Book4Time customers had expressed the same desire with respect to augmenting spa operations with extensions into club management , membership and golf operations . Putting our two companies together answers that desire through a comprehensive solution suite including membership management , point of sale , property management , golf operations , activities scheduling and dining reservations , all
seamlessly integrated with Book4Time ’ s spa and wellness capabilities .”
The integration strategy is already taking shape .“ We ’ re creating a seamless ecosystem where guests can access all services through a single interface ,” Pitsikalis explains . “ Imagine booking a spa treatment , dinner reservation and golf tee time all in one fluid experience . That ’ s the future we ’ re building .”
The union brings together complementary operational strengths as well .“ Book4Time ’ s expertise in remote service delivery perfectly complements our strong on-site professional services presence ,” Pitsikalis notes .“ This combination allows us to offer support tuned to the specific needs of each customer , whether remote , on-site or a combination of both .”
For existing Book4Time clients , the acquisition promises significant benefits .“ This merger creates a much stronger organization ,” Sholanki emphasizes .“ While we ’ ve always served the spa operations at major hospitality brands successfully , our enhanced scale and organizational capabilities now open doors to serve those customers more broadly as well as to expand our market reach . Our team is energized about the possibilities ahead and our transition to become part of Agilysys has been remarkably smooth . That ’ s perhaps the strongest indicator of the strategic fit between our organizations .”
The acquisition represents more than just a business transaction ; it ’ s a strategic alignment of two companies with shared values and complementary capabilities . “ This partnership creates exponential value ,” Pitsikalis emphasizes .“ By combining our strengths , we ’ re not just adding capabilities — we ’ re multiplying possibilities for our clients . The ability to deliver a truly comprehensive guest experience , from spa and wellness to golf and dining and activities , sets a new standard in the industry .” n
DECEMBER 2024 / JANUARY 2025 n PULSE 23