The Riverside Company has made another major investment in Germany, partnering with Transporeon GmbH and TICONTRACT GmbH (Transporeon). The transaction will close once merger approval has been obtained and will be the second German acquisition in 2011 for the international private equity firm.
Transporeon, headquartered in Ulm, Germany, provides web-based centralized transport-management software. Transporeon operates several web-based logistics platforms that provide shippers and carriers with a platform and software to reduce costs, save time and improve service quality in logistics processes. The firm was founded in 2000 and has 450 customers in manufacturing and trade, as well as the 20,000 logistics firms connected to them. Transporeon is the leading European provider in e-logistics solutions, serving customers that include Coca-Cola, Knauf, Volkswagen, DHL and Nestle.
The Riverside Company, which specialises in acquiring medium-sized companies poised for growth, will continue to support Transporeon’s international expansion.
“We are very enthusiastic about Transporeon and excited about the partnership,” says Volker Schmidt (pictured), Partner at the Riverside Munich office. “The management team has a very impressive track record since founding the company 11 years ago. Within the past years, revenues have been increasing steadily double digits, even in crisis times in 2008 and 2009.”
“Furthermore,” continues Schmidt, “the management team as well as the business model are very convincing. In the light of increasing energy prices, toll fees as well as the impact of new regulations, it is a promising approach to make logistic processes much more efficient – and also be more environment friendly.”
Peter Förster, CEO and founder of Transporeon, says, “Within the upcoming years we will make big steps towards a global expansion with new products and service offerings. We have decided upon Riverside, because they are the ideal partner for the further growth of our company. In addition to this, the team has also convinced us from a human perspective. We are very much looking forward for a successful partnership.”
With sales offices in 13 countries, Transporeon covers the European market and has already begun its international expansion with ThyssenKrupp in the USA.
In addition to Schmidt, the Riverside team responsible for the transaction included Vice President Dr. Michael Weber, Vice President Dominik Heer and Associate Sven Schulze.
Watson, Farley & Williams, Goetzpartners, Deloitte and KPMG consulted on the acquisition, and Berenberg Bank provided financing. Lampe Corporate Finance and McDermott Will & Emery advised Transporeon.
