DPE is New Majority Shareholder in INTERSCHALT
![One of the world's largest containerships, CSCL Globe (19,224 TEU). Efficiently loading and unloading ships of such dimensions presents challenges to ports. With its "StowMan[S]" software, INTERSCHALT helps liner operators to plan container storage positions, shortening unloading times and increasing the usable shipping volume. As the new majority shareholder, DPE will help INTERSCHALT to implement its growth strategy. (Photo: Hasenpusch Photo)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/one-of-the-worlds-largest-46384.jpg)
Deutsche Private Equity GmbH (DPE) is set to become the new majority shareholder in INTERSCHALT maritime systems AG, the maritime software and services provider for navigation and communications equipment for ships as well as manufacturer of a Voyage Data Recorder, with retroactive effect from December 31, 2014.
The shipping company Peter Döhle and Gärtner Consulting GmbH will remain the other shareholders of the company. Robert Gärtner will also continue at the helm of the company in his capacity as CEO together with the current management team. The acquisition of the majority shareholding will be accompanied by a capital increase by DPE in order for the company to make headway with its strategic priorities, with the key focus being on the further internationalization of business operations in the software solutions and services area.
"The growth financing from DPE means that we will really be able to go on the offensive. There is enormous market potential for smart software in times of increasing digitalization of the maritime sector. Our customers can improve the efficiency of their ships with our software solutions for fleet and cargo operations. New price models such as 'software as a service' should enable potential new customers to start using our products and services at a reasonable price. We are also planning digital process improvements in the area of maritime services to improve ship maintenance," said Robert Gärtner regarding the growth strategy.
In 2014, INTERSCHALT generated revenues of over €40 million with around 250 employees. Its customers include prominent German charter shipping companies and the top 20 liner shipping companies in the world. The company intends to continue its international growth in particular by further developing innovative maritime software solutions such as vessel monitoring software "Bluetracker" (which helps shipping companies to analyze the performance of their fleets), the loading computer "MACS3" and the revolutionary container ship stowage planning software "StowMan[S]".
"The management team’s entrepreneurial drive was inspiring"
"Shipping is a global growth market and is therefore one of our target markets. We are convinced that INTERSCHALT will be able to provide its customers with clear, tangible added value through its exceptional range of software products and its global service network and will enjoy a sustained period of growth," explained DPE partner Dr. Frank Müller. "The management team's entrepreneurial drive and clear vision regarding the investment also impressed us. We are therefore thrilled that the entire top management team at INTERSCHALT stays on board and that we can set the growth course together."
The transaction is still subject to the approval of the competent competition authorities.
