Technology
German speech recognition provider 4voice sold to Vienna-based technology group Speech Processing Solutions.
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The project at a glance
Key Facts
Client
4voice AG
Acquiror
Speech Processing Solutions GmbH
Target
4voice AG
Sellers
Kurt Martin and minority shareholders
Technology
Vertical
Small-Cap
Deal Size in EUR
Germany, Austria
Countries
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2021
Year
"Walther Transaction's focus on owner-managed, mid-sized businesses was exactly the right fit for 4voice. Their team ran a highly professional process, generated ten indicative offers within five months, and helped us find not just a strong price, but the right strategic home. I'm very satisfied with the outcome."
Kurt Martin
Founder and former Majority Shareholder, 4voice AG
Approach
After 19 years, founder and majority shareholder Kurt Martin was looking for a succession solution for his life's work. Walther Transaction managed the entire sale process – from the financial plan as a basis for valuation through the international investor approach and the bidding process to signing.
Challenges
Aligning several minority shareholders with differing interests alongside the majority shareholder. A narrow five-month window, with no financial plan in place and no internal M&A resources.
Results
Ten indicative offers giving the shareholders a genuine choice, followed by negotiations with three attractive parties. The successful bidder was SPS – the best-suited strategic partner, with whom a reliable supplier relationship had already been in place for 18 years.
