Negometrix Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

Mercell Holding AS has acquired Negometrix B.V., a leading Dutch e-procurement company, for EUR 27 million. This strategic move significantly enhances Mercell's position in the European e-procurement market, providing new opportunities in the US. The acquisition underscores the growing importance of digital procurement solutions in both public and private sectors.

What Is Negometrix?

Founded in 2000, Negometrix specializes in e-procurement solutions, offering products such as intake management, procurement and tendering, contract management, supplier management, and spend management. A key differentiator is its ability to streamline procurement processes while ensuring compliance and equal opportunities for suppliers. With over 5000 public organizations and 400,000 active suppliers using its platform, Negometrix manages an annual expenditure of 200 billion euros, making it a leader in the European public tendering market.

Who Acquired Negometrix?

Mercell is a prominent player in the public procurement sector, providing a comprehensive platform for public buyers and suppliers to manage and source tenders. Key services include supplier discovery, procurement planning, sourcing, tendering, and contract lifecycle management. For suppliers, Mercell offers sales intelligence, tender discovery, and bid delivery. With over 5,000 public entities and 400,000 active suppliers, Mercell significantly influences the market, covering public business opportunities worth over €200 billion in Europe.

When Was Negometrix Acquired?

Mercell acquired Negometrix on February 10, 2021. This acquisition occurred during a period marked by significant digital transformation in procurement processes, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing aligns with the industry's shift towards automation and efficiency, as public and private sectors increasingly adopt digital solutions to streamline procurement. This strategic move positions Mercell to capitalize on the growing demand for digital procurement platforms, enhancing its market presence in Europe and the US.

Why Was Negometrix Acquired?

• Market Expansion: The acquisition of Negometrix allows Mercell to significantly expand its footprint in the European e-procurement market, particularly in the Netherlands where Negometrix holds a strong position. Additionally, this move opens the door to the potentially lucrative US market, providing Mercell with new growth opportunities.
• Technology Integration: Negometrix brings with it an integrated technology hub in Bulgaria, which will enhance Mercell's technological capabilities. The acquisition also includes the continuation of Negometrix's software products, now rebranded under Mercell, ensuring a seamless integration of technology and branding.
• Competitive Advantage: By acquiring Negometrix, Mercell strengthens its position as a leading provider of e-procurement solutions in Europe. The combined expertise and resources of both companies are expected to develop the most user-friendly solutions on the market, giving Mercell a significant edge over competitors.

Acquisition Terms

• Acquisition Price: EUR 27 million on a cash- and debt-free basis.
• Payment Method: The acquisition is financed through a private placement raising gross proceeds of approximately NOK 434 million.
• Key Conditions or Agreements:
  • Mercell has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Negometrix B.V.
  • The transaction is expected to be completed during February 2021.
  • Negometrix CEO Sander de Vocht and founder Jan Siderius are fully committed to the transaction and will continue in their current positions.
  • All 80 employees of Negometrix will join Mercell.
  • The acquisition aims to leverage Mercell’s broad product portfolio to expand Negometrix’s market offering into the supply side and post-award segments.
  • Ernst & Young AS acted as financial due diligence and tax due diligence provider.
  • Jasper Stek and Fleur Vlassak of Stek Advocaten B.V. acted as legal advisors to Mercell Holding AS.

Impact on Negometrix

The acquisition of Negometrix by Mercell has led to several operational and management changes. Negometrix CEO Sander de Vocht and founder Jan Siderius will continue in their current roles, ensuring leadership continuity. The company will be rebranded as Mercell US, with its website, social media, and communications adopting Mercell's branding. All 80 employees from Negometrix will join Mercell, integrating into a larger team of around 500 employees. This transition aims to leverage Negometrix's established technology hub in Bulgaria and its strong market presence in the Netherlands and the US.

In terms of product offerings, the acquisition allows Mercell to expand its services into the supply side and post-award segments, enhancing its digital procurement solutions. Negometrix's software products, such as Negometrix3 and Negometrix4, will remain available, with Negometrix4 being renamed to Mercell Source-to-Contract. The rebranding and integration efforts are designed to ensure a seamless user experience, with the same team continuing to support customers. While specific employee and customer reactions are not detailed, the overall sentiment appears positive, with a focus on continuity and improved service offerings.

For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.