Grün Software Group strengthens its membership
                            capabilities through the acquisition of ARV

We translated the GRÜN Software Group’s growth strategy into a precisely structured transaction.

The company Grün Software Group:

Based in Aachen, the GRÜN Software Group has grown from a medium-sized software company into a group of companies with around 370 employees across 12 locations. It offers specialised industry software and smart services for associations, charitable organisations, educational providers, the media, retail, industry and time management. Through its subsidiaries and platforms, GRÜN operates a networked data ecosystem, complementing this with digital agency services, outsourcing services and ongoing software services.

At its core, GRÜN develops and operates ‘Business Software made in Europe’ for clearly defined target sectors. The portfolio includes, amongst other things, membership, donation and seminar management software, publishing and book trade solutions, time and attendance tracking and access control, as well as online fundraising tools. In addition, GRÜN offers consultancy on digitalisation, IT and business outsourcing, as well as implementation, support and updates – all delivered by an experienced team with a strong focus on SMEs and the non-profit sector.

The challenge

The transaction was prompted by an age-related business succession on the part of the seller, ARV. In this context, the financial interests of the previous owners had to be reconciled with a reliable solution for long-standing customers. For the GRÜN Software Group, the focus was also on identifying a strategically suitable component in the field of membership management software and integrating it sustainably into the existing ecosystem.
Furthermore, it was necessary to carefully assess ARV’s technological capabilities and integration potential, and to align the valuation with future expectations. Aspirational purchase prices, growth prospects and potential synergies had to be reconciled through a structured process in order to achieve a solution that was viable for both parties.

The solution: Strategic integration of ARV into the GRÜN ecosystem

We supported the GRÜN Software Group as its exclusive buy-side M&A adviser throughout all key phases of the process – from transaction design and structuring, through company analysis and valuation, to supporting the financial, commercial and technical due diligence. In close coordination with GRÜN’s internal specialist departments and external legal advisers, a share deal with clearly defined financial terms was prepared and negotiated.
With the acquisition of 100% of the shares in ARV, the GRÜN Software Group is expanding its portfolio to include an established specialist provider of membership management software for clubs, associations and insurance companies. The transaction strengthens GRÜN’s market position in a strategically important segment, provides access to an established customer base and complements the technological foundation of the GRÜN platform. At the same time, a reliable succession solution was secured for ARV’s sellers with a long-term, strategic owner. The result: a sustainable succession solution, security for the workforce and additional development opportunities for the company.