Forterro Expands Fenestration Reach with BM Group Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Battery Ventures
European software provider Forterro continues to expand its presence in the fenestration industry by acquiring BM Group, a leading UK and Ireland IT solutions provider for the windows and doors market. This acquisition complements Forterro's previous purchase of Orgadata AG, a German company known for its Logikal software, and marks Forterro's growing investment in the fenestration software sector. Both acquisitions will be housed under Forterro's new Windows and Doors business line. BM Group's products include uPVC order processing solutions and a web-based management platform, while Orgadata is known for its innovative design and production software. The BM Group acquisition will enable Forterro to leverage its expertise in scaling companies, providing BM Group with the opportunity to expand into broader markets. Graeme Bailey, Managing Director of BM Group, and Jim Cronie, Chief Technical Officer, will remain in their roles to facilitate integration, while Bernd Hillbrands, founder of Orgadata, will lead the new business line upon completion of the Orgadata transaction. Forterro received advisory support from Alvarez & Marsal, EY, and Foot Anstey, while BM Group was advised by Eversheds-Sutherland and others.
Sectors
- Software and Technology
- Fenestration
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – BM Group, one of the companies involved in the acquisition, operates from the UK, making this geography significant in the article.
- Germany – Orgadata AG, acquired by Forterro, is based in Germany, contributing to the geographical scope of the transactions discussed.
- Europe – The article discusses Forterro's operations primarily in European countries, reflecting a broader regional focus.
Industry
- Software and Technology – The article focuses on the acquisition of technology companies that provide software solutions for the fenestration industry, highlighting the importance of IT solutions in this sector.
- Fenestration – The article addresses companies involved in the design and production of windows, doors, and façades, indicating their roles in the building materials sector.
- Private Equity – Battery Ventures' involvement in the backing of Forterro highlights the role of private equity in financing acquisitions in the software and fenestration spaces.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forterro | Acquiring Company | Company | A European industrial software provider expanding into the fenestration industry. |
| BM Group | Target Company | Company | The leading IT solutions provider in the UK and Ireland fenestration software sector. |
| Orgadata AG | Target Company | Company | A German company known for its Logikal software for window, door, and curtain wall design. |
| Battery Ventures | Private Equity Backer | Company | The private equity firm backing Forterro's acquisitions. |
| Graeme Bailey | Managing Director | Person | Managing Director of BM Group, responsible for integration into Forterro. |
| Jim Cronie | Chief Technical Officer | Person | CTO of BM Group, responsible for driving product innovation. |
| Bernd Hillbrands | Head of Forterro Windows and Doors | Person | Founder of Orgadata, leading Forterro's new business line. |
| Eversheds-Sutherland | Legal Advisor to BM Group | Company | Provided legal advisory services to BM Group in the transaction. |
| Spencer Gardner Dickens | Advisor to BM Group | Company | Involved as an advisor to BM Group in the acquisition. |
| Thomas Nock Martin Accountants | Accountants to BM Group | Company | Provided accounting advisory to BM Group. |
| Alvarez & Marsal | Advisor to Forterro | Company | Provided advisory services to Forterro in the acquisition. |
| EY | Advisor to Forterro | Company | Provided advisory services to Forterro in the acquisition. |
| Foot Anstey | Legal Advisor to Forterro | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Forterro. |