Bechtle Acquires Austrian IT System House Sitexs-Databusiness.

• Bechtle strengthens market position in Austria
• Managerial continuity maintained

Neckarsulm, Germany / Vienna, Austria, 30 August 2013 – Bechtle AG has bought Sitexs-Databusiness IT-Solutions GmbH (SDB), headquartered in Vienna with additional offices in Graz, Götzis, Innsbruck and St. Pölten, Austria. As one of the country's leading IT systems integrators and security specialists, SDB will further Bechtle’s Austrian market presence. In 2012 SDB recorded sales of around €21m while employing 70 people.

SDS was formed in 2010 from the merger of two companies: Sitexs Netzwerklösungen & IT Consulting GmbH, a security and network solutions specialist, and Systemintegrator Databusiness Services GmbH. Customers include both SMEs and the public sector. Similar to the service portfolio already offered by the Bechtle Group, the new acquisition offers manufacturer-independent, customised solutions for IT infrastructure, information management, virtualisation, IT security, managed services as well as support and rollout services.

“With SDB, we’re taking a big step forward in strengthening our competitive position in Austria. Not only is the portfolio a perfect match for Bechtle, both companies are also on the same wavelength regarding their corporate cultures. SDB is well established in the Austrian market and has highly trained IT specialists as well as an excellently networked sales department. We’re looking forward to expanding our activities in Austria together,” says Michael Guschlbauer, COO IT-Systemhaus & Managed Services, Bechtle AG.

The managing director of SDB, Robert Absenger, will continue to hold a leading position, although management of activities in Vienna will be conducted jointly by Bechtle and SDB from now on. “The decision to merge with Bechtle provides the foundation for continued success. For our customers and employees, this step means stability and security, and a renewed expansion of our range of services. We look forward to new growth opportunities under the umbrella of a strong group,” says Robert Absenger.

Bechtle has been doing business in Vienna since 2008 and also features sales offices in Graz and Innsbruck. The group includes a further virtualisation and systems integration specialist, HTH Consulting, in St. Pölten. In addition, Bechtle runs an e-commerce business in Austria under the brand names ARP, Bechtle direct and Comsoft direct.

The acquisition of SDB is still subject to the approval of antitrust authorities. As usual, the purchase price and conditions remain confidential.