Alten Makes its Largest Acquisition Ever, in Digital
SDG Is Alten’s Largest Acquisition
Alten is to make its largest acquisition, with Milan-headquartered SDG Group. SDG has revenues of EUR 76m and a headcount of 950. Its operating margin is ~10%. We estimate the price paid by Alten to ~EUR 60m.
The acquisition is unusually large for Alten. While Alten gains approximately 1,000 engineers per year through acquisitions, it does it through small firms. Alten has taken over many firms with less than 300 employees. However, we estimate that Alten made only five acquisitions with more than 400 employees. See the Alten’s Largest Acquisitions table below.
SDG Strengthens Alten’s Digital Capabilities
This acquisition is not a surprise: Alten had guided the market it would make in H2 2020, a large acquisition involving up to 1,000 employees. The pleasant surprise comes from SDG’s capabilities: SDG brings data analytics and AI consulting and systems integration services. The acquisition strengthens the digital capabilities of Alten significantly at a competitive price. Alten proves, once again, how effective it is in acquiring competitors at what it considers the right price.
Alten Has Funding for Other Acquisitions
There may be other acquisitions to come; Alten had a net cash position of EUR 224m at the end of H1 2020. Alten has also managed well its cash and makes M&As at competitive prices. Also, this year, because of the pandemic, Alten canceled its dividend. Alten has the funding; it now needs to find the right targets.
Alten’s Largest Acquisitions
| Headcount Revenues | Headcount Revenues | Name Location Time |
| SDG Group Milan, Italy H2 2020 | 950 EUR 76m | Analytics and AI consulting and systems integration capabilities |
| Unnamed Japanese-Chinese firm H1 2020 | 400 employees EUR 18m | N/A |
| Calsoft Labs Chennai and Bangalore, India H1 2015 | 600 employees USD 22m | Software product development and embedded software Telecom, consumer electronics, and ISVs |
| Geci Engineering France H1 2014 | 550 employees EUR 35m | Wing engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, and manufacturing IT Client base in aeronautics, and also in space, naval, and train Also has a presence in Germany, Spain, and Romania |
| Idestyle 2016 | 610 employees EUR 46m | Automotive body design and engineering. Idestyle went bankrupt in H2 2009. |