Bechtle AG — M&A Activity 2005

Dec 23, 2005

News Details

Ad-hoc | 23 December 2005 14:45

Bechtle AG acquires Dutch company Artikona

Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. —————————————————————————— – The Bechtle Group strengthens ARP’s international expansion course with the acquisition – Artikona’s profitable business development – Synergy effects expected through e-commerce division Neckarsulm, 23/12/2005 – With effect from January 1st 2006, the Bechtle Group acquires the three Netherlands-based operative subsidiaries of the Artikona Holding B.V. via its wholly-owned subsidiary ARP Holding AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland. The IT companies employ a total of 49 members of staff in Maastricht and Amsterdam. The acquisition is part of the Swiss e-commerce company’s international expansion strategy and will insofar be the first ARP locations in a non German-speaking area. In the 2004 financial year, Artikona recorded turnover of 20.1 million Euros and achieved EBIT of 1.9 million Euros. The retail companies focus on sales of high margin IT products, such as accessories and consumables, as well as printer-related business including service and maintenance contracts. In the Netherlands Artikona is one of the largest HP partners (HP Select Partner Status) and is Microsoft’s largest Open Subscription Licence (OSL) reseller. Positive effects and economies of scale from the integration of their activities are particularly to be expected from Artikona accessing ARP’s e- commerce know-how and ARP’s purchasing company based in Taiwan. As is usually the case with Bechtle acquisitions, the continuity of the business organisation will be preserved. This means that the managing directors of the company and the management of the company’s location will continue to be handled as under the previous management. Furthermore, the well-established Artikona brand name is to be retained. Both parties have agreed not to disclose details of the purchase price, which is to be paid in cash. Contact: Bechtle AG, Sabine Emich, Investor Relations, Tel.: +49 (0) 7132/981- 4115, Fax: +49 (0) 7132/981-4116, sabine.emich@bechtle.com , http://www.bechtle.com Bechtle AG Bechtle Platz 1 74172 Neckarsulm Deutschland ISIN: DE0005158703 (TecDAX) WKN: 515870 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart End of ad hoc announcement (c)DGAP 23.12.2005