BMH accompanies second succession solution at Dataforce

BMH Beteiligungs-Managementgesellschaft Hessen mbH is once again supporting a successful company succession in the Hessian SME sector. Through its funds Hessen Kapital I and Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Hessen (MBG H), BMH is investing in Dataforce Verlagsgesellschaft für Business Informationen mbH, a leading provider of market data and analyses for the automotive industry, as part of a management buy-out (MBO).

The investment is made via silent participations in the newly founded acquiring company BMS Homeforce Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH.

Continuity and trust in corporate succession

BMH had already played a central role as a financing partner in Dataforce's first management buy-out in 2018. With the second succession solution now completed, the investment company is consistently continuing its commitment to sustainable company succession in Hesse.

The previous majority shareholder Marc Odinius, who has successfully managed Dataforce since the first MBO, is handing over the majority to his successors, but will remain a minority shareholder. The newly founded BMS Homeforce takes over the majority shares in the Dataforce Group. It is backed by three long-standing managers: Marcus Blum, Levent Simal and Mirko Weyer-Wehmann. They each hold a third of the shares.

Market transparency for the automotive industry

Since its foundation in 1997, Dataforce has established itself as a market expert in the automotive industry. Around 85 employees provide manufacturers, suppliers, leasing companies, insurers and fleet operators with precise market and fleet data, analyses and consulting solutions.

Transparency is crucial, especially in a changing automotive market.

Marcus Blum, member of the new management team

With this information, companies can identify sales potential, evaluate market trends and develop data-based sales strategies. The offering ranges from lead generation and market-oriented analyses to 360° data services for strategic planning and management.

Growth with a new ownership structure

BMH's investment secures the financing of the purchase price as part of the second management buy-out. The new ownership structure creates the basis for organic growth and further development of the business model.

Marcus Blum, member of the new management team:"Thanks to BMH's support, we can expand our data-driven services - also with the help of AI - and consolidate our position as a reliable partner to the automotive industry."

BMH remains a long-term partner for SMEs

The collaboration with Dataforce is characterized by great trust. The company has developed strongly and steadily increased its profitability. We look forward to supporting the second MBO and continuing this success story.

Dirk Pieper, Senior Investment Manager at BMH

With this transaction, BMH once again demonstrates that succession solutions in the SME sector not only ensure stability, but can also provide new impetus for growth. In times of economic uncertainty, such succession solutions and success stories become particularly important. The automotive sector in particular is facing major challenges, from transformation pressure and supply chain problems to fluctuating demand. Against this backdrop, positive news such as the successful management buy-out at Dataforce is a real ray of hope on the horizon: it shows that solid company management, reliable partners and strategic succession planning can ensure growth and continuity even in difficult times.