Asseco Slovakia: Regulator approves Berit acquisition

Asseco (83 PLN, 4,43%) Slovakia has reported that the Czech Antitrust Regulator approved the acquisition of Berit.

Our view: We believe the news should have some positive trading impact, as it speeds up the planned incorporation of Berit into Asseco Czech Republic. Asseco Slovakia intends to acquire a 55.43% stake in Czech company Berit. The final price for the stake will be set in the range of SKK 96m – SKK 177m (PLN 10.8m-19.9m) and will depend on the consolidated net profit of Berit in financial years 2006/07 and 2007/08. The transaction is to be financed out of Asseco Slovakia’s IPO proceeds. In addition, Asseco Slovakia has signed an agreement with Berit’s remaining shareholders, who hold a 44.57% stake, giving them the option to exchange these shares into a stake of up to 10% in Asseco Czech Republic. This structure resembles the one offered to minority shareholders of LCS, which was acquired in May. Also similar to the LCS acquisition, the stake in Berit will be incorporated into Asseco Czech Republic at the end of 3Q07 as a part of the process of taking over the control over Asseco Czech Republic by Asseco Slovakia.

Berit has been in business since 1991 and specializes in geographical information systems (GIS) and distribution networks management systems. The company sells to industrial clients, media companies and public administration. Currently Berit does business in the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and through Asseco in Poland. At the moment employment exceeds 120 people. Berit’s clients include Skoda, N-Energie Norimberg, Ludwigshafen, VW (195 USD, 0,52%), Audi (514 EUR, 0,32%), BMW (44 EUR, 0,34%), BASF (90 EUR, 0,34%) and Bayer (54 EUR, 0,35%). The competences of Berit are unique for the Asseco group and strengthen the SME and industry related part of the group’s business.