For Immediate Release

For More Information

Deb Kohls
Friend Communications
(888) 333-9383, ext. 223

Friend Communications Expands Portfolio,

Acquires PARCS Software

ORANGE, Calif. – Friend Communications has acquired PARCS Software in a move to further its portfolio of software options, and offer RV parks and campgrounds more choices in selecting a software package. The acquisition will also give Friend the opportunity to expand into vertical markets, such as marinas and bed and breakfasts.

“The PARCS software owners were exiting the campground industry and after years of partnership, the acquisition was a natural progression,” said Gary Pace, Friend president and CEO. “It is a logical fit for the Leisure Holdings/Friend Communications portfolio to add a locally-installed front office option to complement our new world class Web-based front office property management system, Hercules, giving our customers more software solutions. The move greatly benefits the industry by providing top-of-the-line front office management options that seamlessly integrate with the ReservationFriend online booking engine and the growing network of Web portals.”

With the acquisition, customers can get quality Friend products and support whether they choose a locally-installed software solution such as PARCS or the Hercules hotel-type web-based solution, fitting any situation from small, family-run parks to large, multi-property parks and everything in between. The PARCS software easily integrates with Friend’s online booking engine. Also, Friend is currently working with other front office alliance partners to deliver this same high-quality integration to further increase its portfolio of options.

Pace went on to explain that the PARCS acquisition is part of the company’s overall goal to create strategic relationships with other industry leaders so that its customers have the best choices to fit their needs. “That belief is as strong today as ever and our commitment to all our alliance partners, including other property management systems, will not change with this acquisition,” added Pace.

A Canadian company, PARCS will continue to be run out of Canada with few noticeable changes. The staff will stay in place, and the product will continue to be offered, sold and supported. Friend will integrate support into its Southern California location. Current customers won’t notice any disruption of service, but can expect upgrades over time as new features are added.

“PARCS customers will now have a whole new opportunity to grow and market their business. This move allows PARCS to be a part of a complete reservation and online marketing solution,” said Ron Vincent, PARCS Software Business Manager. “We are confident that this move will continue to strengthen the software options available to the industry, giving campgrounds invaluable tools that will increase their profits and lead to greater guest satisfaction. I am excited about this new direction.”

PARCS Software is one of the most respected software products for management in the outdoor hospitality industry, and is currently used by over 300 customers throughout the USA and Canada. The PARCS software is designed to improve the management of daily operations for RV parks, campgrounds, resorts and marinas.

Friend Communications Inc., a subsidiary of Leisure Holding Inc., provides an integrated portfolio of services, including online reservation technology, advertising infrastructure and marketing services to the outdoor recreation industry. Friend is committed to delivering best-of-breed products and marketing support to unite the businesses that make up this vertical and allow the industry to compete effectively for the general travel dollar. Through industry partnerships and its own brands, including Camping.com, Friend enhances the consumer’s online experience by providing outdoor recreation-centric information, resources and an extensive online reservation network for locating RV parks and campgrounds. More information is available on the Web at www.friendcommunications.com or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .