Big News: Sage Acquires Criterion HCM — A Game-Changer for Payroll and People Management
November 12, 2025
by Jared Bollier, Digital Marketing Analyst
We’re buzzing with excitement here at DSD Business Systems! Sage has officially acquired Criterion HCM, and this is one of those announcements that makes us pause, smile, and say: this changes everything.
For years, businesses have trusted Sage to simplify accounting and finance. Now, with the addition of Criterion’s powerful cloud-based Human Capital Management platform, Sage is doubling down on a unified vision — connecting people, payroll, and performance into one seamless experience.
A Perfect Match for the Modern Business
Announced on October 6, 2025, this acquisition marks a major step forward for Sage’s mission to simplify and modernize how mid-sized organizations manage their most valuable asset — their people. Criterion HCM has long been recognized for its all-in-one platform, combining Core HR, Payroll, and Talent Engagement in a flexible, cloud-native solution.
By bringing Criterion into the Sage ecosystem, the company is erasing the silos that often separate HR, payroll, and finance. Imagine a world where your accounting system, your HR platform, and your payroll data all speak the same language. That’s the future Sage is building — and we couldn’t be more thrilled.
Why This Matters for Growing Organizations
Let’s face it — disconnected systems slow everything down. Finance teams and HR departments waste precious time entering data twice, fixing errors, and reconciling information that should already align. Sage’s acquisition of Criterion HCM directly tackles that pain point by creating a single, intelligent platform where workflows, data, and applications flow effortlessly together.
Criterion already integrates with Sage Intacct and Sage 300, which means this acquisition instantly expands the end-to-end capabilities available to Sage customers. Mid-sized businesses can now expect deeper insights, tighter automation, and the kind of modern user experience today’s workforce demands.
And because Criterion HCM was built with a “human-first AI” mindset, it’s not just about automating routine tasks — it’s about empowering teams to make proactive, data-driven decisions that elevate performance and employee engagement.
Our Take: The Future Just Got Brighter
This isn’t just another acquisition — it’s a signal that Sage is investing in smarter, simpler, and more people-focused technology for the future. It’s about giving finance and HR leaders the visibility, automation, and flexibility they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
So, here’s to what’s next. To stronger integrations, smarter payroll, and happier teams. To fewer manual processes and more meaningful work. And to Sage’s exciting new chapter with Criterion HCM — a perfect pairing for businesses that believe their people are at the heart of their success.

























