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Forterro Acquisition

Forterro Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

March 14, 2025

Partners Group has acquired Forterro, a prominent pan-European software services provider, for €1 billion. This acquisition underscores the growing importance of ERP solutions in the industrial mid-market. With over 1,200 employees and a portfolio of 11 software brands, Forterro is poised for significant growth under Partners Group's strategic guidance.

What Is Forterro?

Founded over 40 years ago, Forterro specializes in providing software solutions tailored for industrial businesses. Their core offerings include specialized software products, professional services, support, managed services, and education services. Forterro stands out in the market due to its deep expertise in the industrial sector, long-established experience, and a strong reputation, being trusted by over 13,000 organizations. Their comprehensive support services and continuous innovation further differentiate them from competitors.

Who Acquired Forterro?

Partners Group is a leading global private markets investment management firm, known for its significant influence in the industry. The company specializes in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, private credit, and royalties. It offers tailored investment solutions to institutional investors and private wealth clients. Since its founding in 1996, Partners Group has invested over USD 234 billion, establishing itself as a major player with a commitment to high standards of corporate governance and innovative business transformation.

When Was Forterro Acquired?

Partners Group acquired Forterro on March 1, 2022. This acquisition aligns with the ongoing trend of digital transformation in the industrial sector. Forterro's strong financial performance and growth potential made it an attractive target. The timing is strategic, capitalizing on the increasing demand for ERP solutions among midmarket manufacturing companies, which are seeking to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness through advanced software solutions.

Why Was Forterro Acquired?

  • Market Expansion: Partners Group plans to expand Forterro's platform across Europe by accelerating organic growth and making strategic acquisitions in adjacent geographies and sub-verticals. This approach aims to build on Forterro's existing market presence, which includes over 10,000 customers and 1,200 employees across 40+ office locations.
  • Technology Integration: Forterro's specialized ERP software products offer unique functionalities tailored for various manufacturing sub-sectors. Partners Group aims to integrate these advanced technologies into a unified, subscription-based, and cloud-ready ERP platform, enhancing Forterro's capabilities to serve the industrial mid-market more deeply.
  • Competitive Advantage: Forterro's strong financial performance, with recurring revenue nearing €200 million and an EBITDA of approximately €60 million, underscores its market strength. The company's deep domain expertise, tailored solutions, and high customer retention rates provide a significant competitive edge, further bolstered by Partners Group's strategic support.

Acquisition Terms

  • Acquisition Price: €1 billion
  • Payment Method: The specific payment method was not publicly disclosed.
  • Key Conditions or Agreements:
    • Partners Group will work with Forterro's management to realize the company's value creation potential and further expand its platform across Europe.
    • Key initiatives include accelerating Forterro's organic growth, making strategic acquisitions in adjacent geographies and sub-verticals, and improving operational efficiency.
    • The acquisition will result in Battery Ventures exiting completely.
    • The completion of the sale is contingent upon receiving all necessary clearances.

Impact on Forterro

The acquisition of Forterro by Partners Group is set to bring significant changes to the company's operations and management. Partners Group plans to work closely with Forterro's existing management to expand its platform across Europe, focusing on organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency and integrate advanced technologies into Forterro's ERP solutions. The strategic vision, dubbed "Forterro 3.0," will transform the company into a unified, subscription-based, and cloud-ready ERP platform, broadening its capabilities and market reach.

Forterro's product offerings and services are expected to see substantial improvements under the new ownership. The focus will be on expanding go-to-market initiatives and incorporating cloud solutions where appropriate. This transformation is anticipated to positively impact Forterro's strong financial performance, with recurring revenue nearing €200 million and an EBITDA of approximately €60 million. While specific employee and customer reactions are not detailed, the emphasis on growth and improved services suggests a positive outlook. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly and efficiently.