Fujitsu was able to secure the majority of shares in GK Software SE on time. The authorities have also approved the takeover in the meantime. Thus, nothing more stands in the way of the plans for the acquisition of GK by Fujitsu.
Fujitsu announced yesterday that the minimum acceptance threshold of 55 per cent of GK shares set in Fujitsu’s voluntary public takeover offer had been exceeded by the end of the acceptance period on 20 April. The result of the offer is expected to be announced on 25 April, according to the bidding company.
As planned, Rainer Gläß, CEO of GK, will thus leave the company’s Executive Board early. It is planned that Rainer Gläß will continue to serve the company in an advisory capacity as honorary chairman of the supervisory board. It is not yet known who will succeed him as CEO.
Independent for at least two years
In the Business Combination Agreement between Fujitsu and GK, it was agreed that GK will remain independent for at least two years.
For over 23 years, Lidl, the largest retail banner operation in Europe, runs GK software at its checkouts. Other GK customers include Aldi Nord, Coop (Switzerland), Edeka Group, Grupo Kuo, Hornbach, HyVee, Migros, Netto Marken-Discount and Walmart in South Africa.
For Fujitsu, the acquisition of GK is an important step in accelerating the Uvance programme, a pillar of the company’s growth strategy. In this initiative, Retail-as-a-Service solutions are designed to help deliver personalised shopping experiences.
