Carlsquare advised Vectron on the 100% sale of acardo to Verve Group. The transaction enables Verve to access established retailer networks, strengthen its local sales force, and add a proven performance driver in consumer activation.
Vectron Systems AG today announced that it has signed a contract to sell its 100% stake in acardo group AG to Verve Group SE, a fast-growing software platform in the advertising technology industry. The sale follows strategic considerations after the majority takeover of Vectron by the Shift4 Group and was carried out through a competitive bidding process. Vectron will receive a purchase price of EUR 24.5 million plus acardo’s cash holdings and other purchase price adjustments.
acardo is a leading provider of digital consumer activation solutions in Germany, integrated with point-of-sale (POS) systems in more than 5,600 retail stores and branded retailer apps. The company reaches approximately 85% of German households through its couponing and cashback solutions for leading retailers such as Edeka, Kaufland, and Müller, while also maintaining strong relationships with well-known international consumer packaged goods brands, including Unilever, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola, as well as clients in the entertainment and health sectors.
Verve substantially expands its market reach in Europe via the acquisition of acardo. Through this acquisition, Verve gains access to established retailer networks, strengthens its local sales force, and adds a proven performance driver in consumer activation. This combination positions Verve to deliver measurable outcomes at scale for its demand-side clients and provides a strong launchpad for further expansion into other key regions.
Carlsquare acted as exclusive financial advisor to Vectron in the sale of acardo. The advisory firm had already supported acardo in a previous sales process, ensuring continuity and leveraging its deep transaction expertise in this successful deal.
