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In light of the ongoing wave of acquisitions of small and medium-sized software companies by internationally operating investor groups, Soloplan GmbH, which specializes in logistics software, promises that it will remain independent for the next ten years. This ensures that customers have reliable contacts and a dependable supplier who does not have to act according to the wishes of anonymous capital providers with short-term profit expectations.
(Kempten) Soloplan can also determine its strategic development course independently, allowing it to respond efficiently and quickly to the needs of the industry. This, in turn, is the basis for innovative solutions.
With the long-term stability guarantee, Soloplan addresses concerns in the logistics industry that even the traditional family-owned company based in Kempten with seven global branches could lose its independence. According to an article in the Deutsche Verkehrszeitung from July 26, 2023, more than 35 companies in the German logistics software market have been sold or acquired at least once since 2017.
The buyers are predominantly so-called private equity firms. These firms aim to achieve maximum returns with the acquired companies before divesting them again. This approach often leads to price increases and cost savings at the expense of service quality. Another side effect of company acquisitions is frequently changing contacts, which significantly complicates collaboration.
At the same time, acquisitions, mergers, and sales of software providers can stifle innovations and new products. This is because companies are often preoccupied with restructuring and serving their capital providers as best as possible.
Since its founding in family ownership
Soloplan has been 100 percent owned by the Heidl family since its founding in 1994. Next year, the traditional medium-sized company will celebrate its 30th anniversary. All three sons of the company founder Wolfgang Heidl, Fabian, Christian, and Julian Heidl, already work in responsible positions within the company, ensuring its long-term survival. “We stand for stability, are independent, and belong only to ourselves. We are solely committed to our own high standards and our customers,” emphasizes Wolfgang Heidl.
Photo: © Soloplan / Image caption: The Heidl family remains the long-term owner of Soloplan GmbH (from left to right): Wolfgang and Christine Heidl with their sons Fabian, Julian, and Christian
