AOE Group (“AOE”), a leading service provider for agile software development focused on individual business solutions, which previously consisted of AOE and the cybersecurity solution company Bare.ID, has expanded its ecosystem for the digital consulting boutiques FInno Consult, ENNOstudio, and ITM Research. Going forward, the Group’s customers will benefit from an expanded network of specialists, extended industry know-how in the FinTech sector, and more extensive expertise in the areas of IT consulting, system integration, and digital experience.
The core competence of the three digital boutiques, which are now part of the AOE Group, lies in designing tailor-made strategies for customer-centric innovative business models in the front-end market and in translating these strategies into unique customer experiences. Combining their experience as a design agency, innovation consultant, and developer of customer-centric solutions with a clear focus on the financial sector, and AOE’s technological expertise, including in the telco environment, creates a service portfolio that complements each other perfectly.
Under the umbrella of AOE, the advantages of experienced expert boutiques are now combined with the utilization of synergies and the strength of a leading corporate group. The expanded range of services, especially in the consulting environment, creates sustainable added value for customers. With five additional European locations in Pforzheim, Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, and Sarajevo, the group is accounting for its dynamic growth and setting another milestone in its corporate development.
Carlsquare Debt Advisory was mandated to support the AOE Group, a portfolio company of Deutsche Beteiligungs AG, in the acquisition financing of FInno Consult, ENNOstudio, and ITM Research.
Carlsquare leveraged its in-depth sector-specific expertise and benefited from its broad network in the debt market. Following a competitive process, in which Carlsquare holistically managed the financing process from initial contact, structuring to funding of the facilities, Carlsquare was able to secure an attractive financing package for the company. In addition to a unitranche facility, the financing also includes an committed acquisition facility to support the group’s further organic and inorganic growth. The financing is provided by Eurazeo Global Investor, a leading private debt fund with a focus on customized, innovative financing in the SME sector.
“Thanks to the ongoing commitment of the Carlsquare Debt Advisory team, we were able to achieve an optimal financing solution for the company’s future strategy.
We appreciate that with Carlsquare we have a partner at our side who, in addition to specific structuring know-how, also brings the necessary sector expertise to optimally position the company, especially with regard to the credit story.” – Kevin Kunze, Investment Manager bei Deutsche Beteiligungs AG
Carlsquare acted as exclusive debt advisor to the AOE Group / Deutsche Beteiligungs AG in this transaction.
