Paris, March 15th 2022 – GRAITEC, a global leading Building Information Modelling (BIM) Fabrication and Design software developer for the construction industry and international Autodesk® Platinum partner – supported by Apax – announces it has signed an agreement to acquire Applied Software (USA).
The construction industry is undergoing a clear transformation, particularly since the emergence of digital technologies. BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is a powerful tool for the ecological transition, digitised processes and reduced costs.
GRAITEC, a tech success story: from a French start-up to an international group
Founded in 1986 by Francis Guillemard, GRAITEC is a global software publisher and Value Added Reseller (VAR) in the BIM sector. With 150,000 users (more than doubling in three years) and revenue of $200m, GRAITEC is one of Autodesk’s largest partners and the global leading BIM solutions developer.
EM Lyon Management School project – EARLY Makers Hub
GRAITEC has rapidly expanded internationally thanks to organic growth, driven by robust technological innovation and multiple strategic acquisitions. This new transaction sets an important milestone in the strategy of GRAITEC, which now operates in more than 20 countries.
Supported by the investment fund Apax since 2020, GRAITEC is stepping up the implementation of its roadmap to become the European BIM leader by continuing to deploy its own software and accelerate its international expansion.
The acquisition of Applied Software will allow GRAITEC to generate immediate commercial synergies while strengthening its existing position in North America and consolidating its partnership with Autodesk.
GRAITEC to gain a strong foothold in the US market through Applied Software
Founded in 1982 in Atlanta, Applied Software specialises in computational design for construction, industrial and manufacturing production, and civil engineering with expertise in BIM and digital mock-ups.
With a team of 130 employees located in over 20 states, the Company has helped more than 5,000 clients digitalise their construction and manufacturing. Applied Software generates revenue of approximately $100m.
With its current activities mainly focused on Europe and Canada, the acquisition will enable GRAITEC to significantly consolidate its existing position in North America by gaining considerable market shares in the US BIM market, the largest in the world.
“For GRAITEC, Applied Software is a transforming acquisition. We feel privileged to associate our brand with such a remarkable company and believe that our partnership with Applied Software signals a major shift, in terms of both scale and global reach. Going forward, we will expand our business to become 45% located in North America and 55% in Europe. Together, with the employees of Applied Software and our clients, we will write the next chapter in our growth history as we focus on winning new markets.”
Manuel Liedot, GRAITEC CEO
“I am happy 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, I believe we have achieved this.”
Richard Burroughs, President of Applied Software
“GRAITEC is a performing French technology and software company. The acquisition of Applied Software is fully in line with the roadmap set when we invested two years ago. It will enable GRAITEC to become an effective player in the US BIM market.”
Gilles Rigal, Senior Advisor and Thomas de Villeneuve, Partner at Apax
About GRAITEC
Founded in 1986, GRAITEC is an international group that assists its clients in successfully achieving their digital transformation by providing BIM software, consultancy and training solutions.
GRAITEC is a developer of high-performance BIM solutions for design, calculation, simulation, manufacturing and collaborative management as well as an Autodesk® Platinum Partner in Europe and Autodesk® Gold Partner in North America.
With its 48 offices located in 13 countries worldwide and its 550 employees – and 200 BIM consultants – GRAITEC focuses its efforts on innovation. Its products are used by more than 150,000 construction professionals the world over.
About Applied Software
Founded in 1982 and based in Atlanta, Applied Software specialises in computational design for construction, industrial and manufacturing production, and civil engineering with expertise in BIM and digital mock-ups.
With a team of 130 employees located in over 20 states, the Company has helped more than 5,000 clients digitalise their construction and manufacturing throughout the United States.
Applied Software, which is one of the largest American Autodesk partners (Platinum Partner), also collaborates with best-in-class suppliers such as Bluebeam and Panzura.
About Apax
Apax is a leading European private equity firm based in Paris. With over 45 years of experience, Apax provides long-term equity financing to build and strengthen world-class companies. Funds managed and advised by Apax exceed €4.6 billion. These funds invest in fast-growing middle-market companies across four sectors of specialisation: Tech & Telecom, Consumer, Healthcare and Services.
Paris-headquartered Apax SAS (www.apax.fr) and London-headquartered Apax LLP (www.apax.com) have a shared history but are separate, independent private equity firms.
www.apax.fr
@ApaxPartners_Fr
List of advisors:
For GRAITEC and Apax:
- Finance: PwC (Julien Sauvard, Siyu Huang)
- Legal: Weil (Alexandre Duguay) and Benesch (Michael Primrose, Nicole Kline, Injune Park)
- M&A: DDA & Company (Alexandre Odin, Florian Charrière)
- Financing: HFW (Diane de Mouy, Baptiste Gaussen)
- Structuring: Arsene Taxand (Denis Andres, Virginie Leprize)
Applied Software:
- Legal: JLG Lawyers (Ed Johnson)
Contacts
Salomé Berlemont-Gilles
Graitec – Head of communication
+33 6 19 89 07 81
salome.berlemont-gilles@graitec.com
Lauren Bardet
Apax – Head of communication
+33 6 16 32 72 82
lauren.bardet@seven2.eu
Jérôme Goaêr
Verbatee for Apax
+33 6 61 61 79 34
j.goaer@verbatee.com
Valérie Sabineu
Verbatee for Apax
+33 6 61 61 76 73
v.sabineu@verbatee.com
