Glaston Corporation and Constellation Software have signed a definite and binding agreement for the sale of 100% of the shares in Albat+Wirsam Software. As a result of the purchase, the A+W business will become part of Constellation’s Friedman Operating Group. A+W will operate as an independent division of Friedman, and will continue to develop, enhance, and market its glass and fenestration industry software solutions worldwide.
Glaston Corporation and Constellation Software Inc., acting through its wholly owned subsidiary Friedman Corporation, signed a definite and binding agreement for the sale of 100% of the shares in Albat+Wirsam Software GmbH (”A+W”) on 12 November 2012. The value of the deal is estimated at EUR 18 million and will be finalized upon closing of the transaction. As per agreement, part of the purchase consideration is contingent.
A+W is the global market leader in software for the flat glass industry. Headquartered in Linden (Rhine-Main area), Germany, A+W develops and markets ERP, production planning and scheduling, and optimization software solutions for the glass, window, door, and curtain-wall industries.
“The transaction, when completed, will benefit both Glaston and Albat+Wirsam as both parties can put more strategic focus on their core businesses. For Glaston this means glass processing machinery and related services. Albat+Wirsam, on the other hand, can focus on growth as part of a bigger software group,” said Arto Metsänen, CEO & President of Glaston Corporation.
As a result of the purchase, the A+W business will become part of Constellation’s Friedman Operating Group. A+W will operate as an independent division of Friedman, and will continue to develop, enhance, and market its glass and fenestration industry software solutions worldwide. Mark Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Friedman Operating Group, commented, “The acquisition of Albat+Wirsam complements the Friedman Operating Group’s markets and product portfolio. The Albat+Wirsam product offering will enable us to further grow our already-strong presence in the glass, fenestration, and building-products industries.”
Glaston Corporation acquired Albat+Wirsam Software Group in July 2007 and it has operated as a business area within Glaston Group. The net sales for the Software Solutions’ business area for the period January-June 2012 was EUR 10.7 (12.2) million. Operating result excluding non-recurring items was EUR 1.1 (1.3) million and the business area employed approximately 190 persons.
Closing of the agreement is subject to customary closing conditions including a competition review by the German Federal Cartel Office which is expected to be completed by the end of 2012, at which time ownership of A+W will transfer to Constellation.
Glaston is a global company developing glass processing technology for architectural, solar, appliance and automotive applications. The company’s portfolio ranges from pre-processing and safety glass machines to software solutions and services.
Constellation’s common shares are listed in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CSU”. Constellation Software is an international provider of market leading software and services to a number of industries across both the public and private sectors. Constellation acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses that provide mission-critical software solutions to address the industry specific needs of its customers.