On April 15, 2025, DATAGROUP SE entered into an investment agreement with Dante Beteiligungen SE, controlled by KKR, to support a public takeover bid. This bid involves the acquisition of all outstanding shares of DATAGROUP at a price of 54 euros per share in cash. This decision could have significant implications for stock prices and market movements.
Details of the Offer
Price and Premium: The offered price of 54 euros per share represents a premium of approximately 33% over the Xetra closing price of DATAGROUP shares on the day of the offer. Both the management board and the supervisory board of DATAGROUP support the offer, which they assess as fair and attractive. They intend to recommend that shareholders accept the offer. The majority shareholder HHS Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH will transfer its existing stake to the bidder, resulting in joint control by KKR and HHS in a ratio of approximately 50:50.
Strategic Partnership and Delisting
The agreement between KKR (via Dante Beteiligungen) and DATAGROUP aims to ensure a long-term strategic partnership. This is intended to enable the company to grow more strongly without pressure from the capital market. A key component of the agreement is the planned delisting of DATAGROUP shares immediately after the offer is concluded.
Equity Financing
The transaction is fully financed by equity from KKR, highlighting the financial strength behind this deal.
Outlook for the Future
The completion of the acquisition offer is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2025. The absence of a minimum acceptance threshold further facilitates the process. This development shows how private equity firms like KKR are increasingly investing in strategic positions in technology companies. For investors in the German-speaking countries, this could present interesting opportunities as well as challenges.
Possible Impacts for Investors
Several aspects are relevant for investors:
- Short-Term Gains: The high takeover price offers shareholders an attractive short-term profit.
- Long-Term Perspectives: Without a stock market listing, long-term growth opportunities could improve as decision-making processes can be made more flexible.
- Market Changes: The increasing role of private equity investors could lead to consolidation in certain sectors.
- Regulatory Conditions: Fewer regulatory hurdles for such transactions, as the Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act is not applicable.