DDA & Company advises Graitec in the acquisition of US BIM player Applied Software Technology Inc.

Graitec, an international BIM, Fabrication, and Design software developer and integrator for AEC has made a major acquisition in North America. This transaction allows the Group to take a significant position in the North American BIM market while becoming world leader of AEC Integration.

Operating in nearly 48 offices in 13 countries, and backed by Apax Partners since early 2020, Graitec continues its relentless targeted acquisitions strategy by strengthening its geographic footprint in North America. The acquisition of Applied Software is the 21st transaction advised by DDA & Company with Graitec.

Graitec and Applied Software, boasting consolidated sales of approximately $300 million, intend to increase value for their customers by combining their strong Autodesk expertise with Graitec’s range of proprietary software. Developed by more than 150 R&D engineers, Graitec software aims to complete the Autodesk ecosystem, especially for Architects, Structural Engineers and Steel and Rebar Manufacturers. One point of focus will be PowerPack – an innovative and result based set of productivity tools allowing customers to maximize their use of Revit, Advance Steel, Inventor and Vault. On a technical level, Applied Software customers will be able to leverage the proven expertise of the Graitec skilled technical team on Structural Steel and Rebar. By becoming one of the largest Autodesk partners in the world and reinforcing its intention to grow stronger, bigger and more global, Graitec is showing its commitment to growth to further support the needs of their clients.

Manuel Liedot, CEO of Graitec: “For Graitec, Applied Software is a truly transforming and transformative acquisition. We are honored to associate our Graitec brand to such an outstanding company, and we believe our partnership with Applied Software will change drastically the scale and geographical footprint of the Graitec group. Tomorrow, we will expand our activity to be located 45% in North America and 55% in Europe. We are happy to welcome all customers and all employees from Applied Software, to strengthen our partnership with Autodesk and excited to continue the journey forward!“

Richard Burroughs, CEO of Applied Software: “I am excited to launch the next step of the Applied Software history by joining the global Graitec group. Graitec shares the same DNA of Applied Software – a strong technical focus to empower our clients and champion innovation. It was crucial for me that all of our team stay on board for this next step, and that we continue to serve our customers. Today, we have achieved this and have raised the level of global service for our clients for the next 40 years.”

DDA & Company advised Graitec in this transaction with a team made up of Alexandre Odin and Florian Charrière.

Stakeholders in this Transaction

BUYER

Graitec: Managers (Francis Guillemard, Manuel Liedot, Alexis Cornu-Thenard)
Financial partners: Apax Partners (Gilles Rigal, Thomas de Villeneuve, Blandine Cleyet-Merle, Henry Capelle)
M&A advisors: DDA & Company (Alexandre Odin, Florian Charrière)
Financial & Tax Due Diligence: PwC (Steven Perrin, Julien Sauvard, Siyu Huang)
Legal: Benesch Law (Jason W. Griffith), Weil Gotshal & Manges (Alexandre Duguey)

SELLER