Perth-based directors of Gemcom Software International Inc, Tim Moore and Tony Packer, will pocket a combined $14.6 million from the sale of their interest in the company, after two US-based equity firms increased their takeover offer.

The joint US-based bidders, private equity firms JMI Equity and The Carlyle Group, have agreed to amend the friendly takeover agreement originally entered into last month, which will boost the cash offer from $C2.90 to $3.05 per share.

The increase in the offer now values the transaction at $C190 million ($A194m), up from $C180 million.

WA Business News understands that both Mr Moore and Mr Packer, who hold a combined 7.5 per cent in the company, will vote in favour of the takeover.

Mr Moore and Mr Packer had previously held a 54 per cent stake in Perth company Surpac Minex, which held major operations in the state, before it was acquired by Gemcom in 2006.

Both Mr Moore and Mr Packer declined to comment.

The increase in the takeover price stemmed from an agreement between the bidders and Gemcom's largest shareholder, investment company Pala Investments Holdings Ltd, which is believed to have snared a 19.05 per cent stake after the original bid was launched.

"Pala has agreed to become a shareholder in the purchaser [Carlyle and JMI], if Pala's review of Gemcom diligence materials is satisfactory to Pala," Gemcom said in a statement.

Pala, a $US2.1 billion resource investment house, has until June 16 to decide whether to invest in Carlyle and JMI.

If Pala proceeds with the investment, it is understood that Pala will hold a 25 per cent interest in Gemcom while Carlyle and JMI will each hold a 37.5 per cent stake.

Gemcom services clients in over 90 countries from 19 locations with its largest division operating in Australia, which is headquartered in Perth.

By Rebecca Lawson June 2008

Click here for the full Gemcom announcement