FORUM Family Office ("FORUM") has acquired 100% of the shares in GEDAT Gesellschaft für Datentechnik GmbH and its sister company GEDAT Project GmbH & Co KG (together "GEDAT"), based in Cölbe/Marburg, through its industry holding company FORUM Software Mittelstandsholding SE. GEDAT achieved a turnover of € 5.4 million in 2020 with approx. 44 employees.
As with every FORUM acquisition, the revenue mix is strongly characterised by recurring revenues. In 2020, GEDAT's revenue mix was:
GEDAT's core product is TIME JOB®, an ERP system for personnel service providers/temporary employment agencies. With a market share of approx. 11%, GEDAT is number two on the German market after the market leader Landwehr and has an above-average presence among the top 25 personnel service providers ("Lüdendonk 25"). The sister company GEDAT Project GmbH & Co. KG offers DEMSY, an exclusive management software for distance learning schools.
FORUM 's continuation concept provides for a continuation of the corporate strategy in all essential points, above all the retention of the staff and location. In the future, the areas of marketing and sales in particular are to be driven forward in order to play a proactive role in the expected changeover from customers' own solutions to standard software. Product development will focus on new, complementary services and cloud solutions. This will ensure that GEDAT remains a future-proof and innovative partner for its customers.
The founders Thomas and Martin Jähn already appointed two managing directors, Peter Löber and Matthias Zimmermann, a few years ago, who already run GEDAT largely independently. Mr Martin Jähn will continue to be available as a member of the advisory board to ensure continuity. Below that, there is a strong second management level. Comment by the Jähn brothers:
"With thetransfer of our companies to FORUM Family Office, we are combining a step that ensures the continuity and reliability of the GEDAT Group, as our proven corporate philosophy will be continued by FORUM. At the same time, FORUM sets the course for healthy growth and technologically innovative progress.“
FORUM Family Office is a long-term investor in medium-sized companies. The core is"subscription business" with recurring revenues. With a turnover of approx. € 40 million and 350 employees, software is one of FORUM's focal sectors and is to be further expanded. GEDAT is the sixth investment in the software sector. As long-term owners, we contribute our expertise primarily in the areas of corporate development, sales and personnel development. We are looking for majority shareholdings with € 2 million - € 50 million turnover.
FORUM Family Equity offers family businesses individual succession solutions that ensure the long-term success and identity of the company. As a family equity investor, FORUM focuses on sustainability, employee development and cooperation based on trust. In contrast to corporations and private equity funds that aim for quick profits, FORUM builds long-term partnerships and protects the value of the company. Find out how FORUM supports your company in successfully continuing your life's work.