Forterro has announced the completion of its acquisition of Orgadata AG, which was announced last November. The deal was completed after regulatory approval was given. The acquisition will see around 600 employees and 7,000 customers join the Forterro Group. Importantly, it also gives Forterro a presence in over twenty countries. Orgadata has sales reps in the Americas and Asia and a broad footprint across Europe.
The acquisition, coupled with that of BM Group, will ensure that Forterro becomes a leading player in the window, door, and façade industry. This vertical industry approach by Forterro will give it a huge footprint in the approach fenestration software market within Europe. And it will open up huge opportunities in the US and Asia.
With the acquisition complete, Forterro can now complete the integration of Logikal, Orgadata’s flagship product into its software portfolio. The Logikal development team will also be able to take advantage of the knowledge and tools that Forterro has been building over the last few years.
BM Group, itself the largest vendor in the UK market, brings its market leadership position in most markets within Europe. It is already the sole UK reseller of Logikal, and this cements that relationship further, bringing the companies together. BM Group added solutions, including EvoNET, Evolution and Courier, which it claims have helped it grab a 78% share of the software market for the uPVC window and door industry.
Marcus Pannier, President for all Lines of Business within Forterro, commented, “This marks an exciting new chapter for Forterro. With Orgadata and BM Group now part of Forterro, we have an unmatched ability to serve the windows and doors market with industry-leading software technology.
“The combination of Logikal’s global footprint and BM Group’s expertise in fabrication and order processing solutions creates an incredible synergy that will drive digitalisation and efficiency for our customers.”
What now for the Forterro Windows and Doors business line?
Bernd Hillbrands, Founder of Orgadata, is now Managing Director of the Forterro Windows and Doors business line. Orgadata’s reach into many international markets provides a springboard for BM Group solutions. It strengthens Forterro’s capabilities to deliver cutting-edge solutions to many more geographies and potentially opens the door for expanding other solutions into new markets as well.
Bernd Hillbrands, Managing Director of Forterro Windows and Doors, commented, “Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected ecosystem for the fenestration industry. Our goal is to continue innovating and providing customers with the best tools to digitalise their workflows, improve efficiency and stay competitive in an evolving market.”
Forterro has committed to continue investing the the products of both BM Group and Orgadata. Though it did not reveal the details of how much investment and what it would invest in. Nor has it made clear what the future strategy of the solutions are with regard to cloud-based offerings.
The acquisition does make Forterro a growing powerhouse for manufacturers in Europe. The big question is whether it will continue to expand this vertical reach into new markets such as the United States.
Marcus Pannier commented, “2025 is set to be a year of growth and transformation. Our commitment to supporting small and mid-sized craft and industrial businesses remains at the heart of everything we do. With Orgadata and BM Group, we are not just expanding our portfolio—we are reinforcing our ability to deliver meaningful solutions that help our customers succeed.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
Both acquisitions are now complete. Hillbrands can concentrate on running the much larger business within Forterro. There are still some unanswered questions, though. When will the companies rebrand, and how will they rebrand? If they follow other organisations, such as Abas, they will become Orgadata Forterro and BM Group Forterro (or BM Forterro).
What strategy will Hillbrands take to expand beyond Europe, and what integration will there be with the rest of the portfolio? In addition, will the roadmap for the solutions change? What can Forterro, and specifically the developers of Fortee (its new cloud-based ERP), bring to the table?
In addition, with the business units and software solutions combined, will Hillbrands’ new business unit be capable of entering adjacent markets?
What is next for Forterro? Will it add another firm from the US within the same market, or will it focus on another vertical? Finally, Forterro also needs to update its collateral. The addition of Orgadata brings it 7,000 customers. Its website contains a mix of customer numbers from 13,000 to 16,000. The actual number may now be much higher!
