ALTRAN TECHNOLOGIES : acquires TASS, a Dutch leader in Intelligent Systems.

Acquisition

Altran acquires TASS, a Dutch leader in Intelligent Systems.

Altran has acquired 100% of TASS, an Eindhoven, Netherlands-based company, specialised in Intelligent Systems. TASS, operating in the Netherlands and Belgium, will strengthen Altran's Intelligent Systems global network of 3,500 experts, spread across 13 countries throughout Europe, Asia and the USA, who are working to address the challenges of the fast-growing intelligent systems market. As an intelligent systems integrator, Altran has set up a network of excellence centres to create new business opportunities and new experiences for users in applications areas such as autonomous systems, smartphones, smart meters, medical devices, connected cars, advanced air traffic control and smart sensors.

This strategic acquisition will also reinforce the Group's presence in the Benelux region, in line with Altran's 2012-2015 Strategic Plan objectives.

Founded as part of the Philips Group in 1978, TASS is a leader in the Benelux region for embedded software in the semiconductors, consumer electronics and healthcare sectors, providing services to blue-chip clients such as ASML, Philips, NXP and TomTom. With 230 employees in the Netherlands and Belgium, the company has a strong expertise in technical automation, connected devices as well as agile and model-based development methods through which it provides highly reliable software solutions. TASS offers a wide range of services, from the provision of expertise and training to outsourced services and projects. The company had revenues of €23m in 2013.

Commenting on the operation, Altran Chairman and Chief Executive, Philippe Salle explains: "Altran is a pioneer and forerunner in the sector in global intelligent systems. With the acquisition of TASS, Altran continues boosting this solution and reiterates its commitment to deliver on its 2012-2015 Strategic Plan objectives. TASS is a well-known, profitable player with strong capabilities: as such it is perfectly aligned with the Group's acquisition and operational strategy. "

Edwin Manten, Managing Director of TASS, added: "We believe there is strong complementarity between Altran and ourselves as well as a good cultural fit. TASS works in sectors where technical and embedded software plays an important role in the development of intelligent and innovative products with a strong focus on connected devices in the world of Internet of Things. It is clearly the right step and the right moment to let TASS achieve its goals in an international environment. Our customers remain in good hands: we will continue to build high-quality products in co-creation with our customers in order to reduce their 'time to market'."

The acquisition of TASS, entirely financed by the Altran Group, will enhance EPS as of the first year.

Buy-side advisors:

• Legal: CMS Derks Star Busmann N.V.
• Financial, Tax and Pensions Due Diligence: Grant Thornton

Sell-side advisors:

• Legal: Allen & Overy
• Financial advisor: ABN AMRO
• Vendor's Due Diligence : KPMG
  
  

About Altran

As global leader in innovation and high tech engineering consulting, Altran accompanies its clients in the creation and development of their new products and services. Altran's Innovation Makers^[1]:
#_ftn1 have been providing services for thirty years to key players in the Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare and Telecoms sectors. Covering every stage of project development from strategic planning to manufacturing, Altran's offers capitalise on the Group's technological know-how in five key areas: Intelligent Systems, Innovative Product Development, Lifecycle Experience, Mechanical Engineering, and Information Systems.
In 2013, the Group generated revenues of €1,633m. Altran now has a staff of almost 21,000 employees in more than 20 countries.
www.altran.com

About TASS

TASS is a driving force of technology. Embedded and technical software is crucial for the success of products. With 35 years of experience, TASS is the embedded software partner with knowledge of the latest technologies. For example, TASS played an important role in the development of intelligent and innovative products for clients including ASML, Philips, NXP and TomTom by providing knowledge in the form of Consultancy, Training, Projects or Outsourced Services. TASS adds better software to products, and helps to launch these products with a shorter time-to-market. TASS was founded in 1978 and since then grew into a company of around 230 co-workers, operating from 4 offices in the Netherlands and Belgium.
www.tass.nl:
http://www.tass.nl%0dwww.tass.be/
www.tass.be:
http://www.tass.nl%0dwww.tass.be/