ALSO Holding Bundle
What is the history of the ALSO Holding Company?
ALSO Holding AG is a prominent technology provider within the ICT sector, functioning as a comprehensive B2B marketplace that effectively bridges vendors and resellers. The company's evolution from a conventional distributor to a leading technology enabler, propelled by its integrated ecosystem and digital platforms, represents a significant chapter in its corporate narrative. Established in 1984 in Emmen, Switzerland, ALSO's initial focus was on the distribution of IT products and services.
Today, ALSO Holding AG commands a substantial market presence, striving to solidify its standing as a premier distributor in the technology arena. As of 2023, the company held approximately 10% of the European IT distribution market share. Its operations span 31 European countries, with an extended reach to 144 countries globally via Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) partners. Serving over 135,000 resellers, ALSO offers a diverse portfolio encompassing hardware, software, and IT services from more than 800 vendors across more than 1,570 product categories. The company's market capitalization was reported at $4.08 billion as of the latest available data.
The origins of the ALSO Group trace back to its founding in 1984, marking the beginning of its journey in the IT distribution landscape. This period saw the establishment of the company's foundational business model. The ALSO Group timeline highlights a consistent trajectory of growth and adaptation within the rapidly evolving technology sector. The company's business evolution is a testament to its strategic foresight and ability to embrace digital transformation.
Delving into the brief history of ALSO Holding Company AG reveals a strategic shift from traditional distribution to a more integrated technology service provider. Key milestones in ALSO Holding Company's development include its expansion across European markets and the enhancement of its digital service offerings. The company's growth strategy history is characterized by a commitment to innovation and market responsiveness.
The story behind ALSO Holding Company is one of continuous adaptation and expansion. Details about ALSO Holding Company's establishment in Switzerland set the stage for its future endeavors. The history of ALSO Holding Company's acquisitions has played a crucial role in its market consolidation and service portfolio expansion. Understanding when was ALSO Holding Company founded provides context for its enduring presence in the industry.
The historical overview of ALSO AG showcases its transformation into a significant player in the global ICT ecosystem. The founding members of ALSO Holding Company laid the groundwork for its future success. The ALSO Holding Company's journey through the years is marked by strategic decisions that have shaped its current market position. The company's early years were focused on building a strong distribution network.
What is the ALSO Holding Founding Story?
The story of the ALSO Holding Company begins in 1984, with its establishment in Emmen, Switzerland. While the specific individuals who founded the company and their detailed backgrounds remain largely out of public view, the company's initial mission was clear: to serve as a vital trading hub for the rapidly expanding information and communication technology (ICT) sector. The core of its early business model revolved around providing essential services that facilitated the IT distribution channel. These services included managing payment transactions, handling intricate logistics, and overseeing credit control for all parties involved.
This foundational approach enabled resellers to access a wide array of products and place orders around the clock through web shop platforms. A significant early milestone in the ALSO Group history occurred in 1986, a mere two years after its founding, when the company was listed on the Swiss stock exchange. This move signaled early investor confidence and provided a crucial avenue for capital raising. The trajectory of the ALSO Group timeline took a notable turn in 1988 when Schindler Holding AG acquired a majority stake, fundamentally reshaping the company's ownership structure.
The initial capital for the company likely stemmed from a combination of self-funding and early-stage investments, ultimately leading to the substantial investment from Schindler Holding AG. The company's strategic insight was to address the inherent complexities within the IT hardware and software supply chain. By positioning itself as a critical intermediary, it effectively bridged the gap between manufacturers and the network of resellers, streamlining operations and fostering growth.
Early Foundations of the ALSO Group
Established in 1984 in Emmen, Switzerland, the company's initial focus was on IT product distribution and services.
- Founded in 1984
- Initial operations in Emmen, Switzerland
- Focused on IT product and service distribution
- Provided payment, logistics, and credit control services
- Listed on the Swiss stock exchange in 1986
- Majority stake acquired by Schindler Holding AG in 1988
The early years of the ALSO Holding Company's development were characterized by a strategic focus on operational efficiency within the IT distribution landscape. By offering services that simplified complex transactions and logistical challenges, the company carved out a niche for itself. This period laid the groundwork for its future expansion and demonstrated a keen understanding of market needs. The company's business evolution was significantly influenced by its ability to adapt and provide value-added services to its partners, a strategy that would continue to shape its Growth Strategy of ALSO Holding.
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What Drove the Early Growth of ALSO Holding?
The early trajectory of the ALSO Holding Company was marked by ambitious expansion and a strategic drive to solidify its standing within the European IT distribution landscape. Initially rooted in Switzerland, the company rapidly extended its reach across the continent, establishing a significant geographical presence. A landmark event in this growth phase was the merger with Actebis of Germany, which occurred on February 9, 2011. This union resulted in the formation of ALSO-Actebis Holding AG, headquartered in Switzerland, substantially boosting its market share and operational capacity. The company later reverted to its original name, ALSO Holding AG, on March 14, 2013.
European Market Consolidation
Following its merger with Actebis, the company, then known as ALSO-Actebis Holding AG, significantly enhanced its position in the European ICT distribution market. This strategic move was central to its early growth, expanding its operational scale and market influence across various countries.
Strategic Acquisitions Drive Growth
Over the past decade, the ALSO Group history has been significantly shaped by a consistent strategy of acquisitions, with 27 companies integrated through its 'transformative integration' program. These acquisitions, primarily in Austria and Finland, targeted IT Services and IT Resellers, broadening the company's service portfolio.
Diversification and Service Orientation
The company's evolution has seen a shift from a purely transactional business model to one that emphasizes solutions and services, with a particular focus on cloud offerings. This strategic pivot is evident in its increasing cloud revenues, which reached €662 million in H1 2024, marking a 25% increase.
Resilience and Financial Performance
Despite economic challenges, the company has demonstrated financial stability, with revenues remaining around €11.0 billion in 2024. This sustained performance underscores the effectiveness of its growth strategies and its adaptability in the dynamic ICT sector, reflecting its robust business model as detailed in Revenue Streams & Business Model of ALSO Holding.
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What are the key Milestones in ALSO Holding history?
The ALSO Holding Company history is marked by a consistent focus on profitable growth and strategic expansion. By March 2024, the company celebrated its 13th consecutive dividend increase, raising it to CHF 4.80, and by March 2025, this figure further climbed to CHF 5.10. The last quarter of 2024 saw ALSO achieve its highest-ever EBITDA, a testament to the robust performance of its digital platforms. In 2024, preliminary figures indicated an EBITDA between €230 and €240 million, with a Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) ranging from 28% to 31%.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Achieved highest-ever EBITDA in the last quarter, driven by digital platform performance. |
| March 2024 | Marked the 13th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 4.80. |
| March 2025 | Further increased the dividend to CHF 5.10. |
A significant innovation for ALSO has been the development of its comprehensive 'ALSO ecosystem,' which has redefined its role from a transactional distributor to a leading technology provider. This ecosystem encompasses hardware, software, and IT services, supporting approximately 135,000 resellers and featuring subscription-based cloud offerings, alongside platforms for cybersecurity, virtualization, and AI.
The ALSO Ecosystem
This integrated approach transformed the company into a technology provider, offering a wide range of IT solutions and services.
Cloud Computing Growth
Cloud computing solutions experienced a notable 15% year-over-year revenue increase, highlighting the success of digital service offerings.
ALSO Innovation Lab
The company's commitment to forward-thinking is demonstrated through its 'ALSO Innovation Lab,' which actively collaborates with startups and technology partners to develop cutting-edge solutions.
The ALSO Group history has not been without its challenges, including navigating market downturns and intense competitive pressures. For instance, in the first half of 2024, the company experienced a 7% revenue decline, reaching €5.1 billion, largely influenced by subdued consumer spending, particularly in key markets like Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. Despite these headwinds, ALSO has shown resilience through strategic initiatives such as its 'MORE' strategy, which focuses on maintaining core business operations, optimizing internal processes, exploring new technological frontiers, and expanding its market reach, complemented by its 'LESS' sustainability strategy. Understanding the nuances of local markets while driving innovation has been central to the company's sustained profitable growth, a strategy that has been detailed in their Marketing Strategy of ALSO Holding.
Market Downturns and Consumer Spending
A 7% revenue decline in H1 2024 was attributed to broader market challenges and reduced consumer spending in several European countries.
Competitive Pressures
The company operates in a highly competitive ICT landscape, requiring continuous adaptation and strategic maneuvering to maintain market share.
Strategic Adaptation
The 'MORE' and 'LESS' strategies represent a proactive approach to address market dynamics, focusing on growth, efficiency, and sustainability.
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What is the Timeline of Key Events for ALSO Holding?
The history of the ALSO Holding Company is a narrative of strategic growth and adaptation within the technology distribution sector. From its inception, the company has navigated market shifts through key acquisitions and structural changes, solidifying its position in the European market. Understanding the ALSO Group history reveals a consistent drive towards expansion and service enhancement.
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | The company was founded in Emmen, Switzerland. |
| 1986 | It was listed on the Swiss stock exchange, marking its public debut. |
| 1988 | Schindler Holding AG acquired a majority ownership stake. |
| 2011 | A significant merger occurred with Actebis of Germany, forming ALSO-Actebis Holding. |
| 2013 | The company reverted to its former name, ALSO Holding AG. |
| 2017 | The acquisition of BeIP expanded its operational footprint. |
| 2019 | Solytron Bulgaria was acquired, strengthening its presence in Eastern Europe. |
| 2023 | Key acquisitions included Commaxx and Target Distribution, further broadening its market reach. |
| 2024 | The company acquired SWS and Entec in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the AGM approved a dividend increase to CHF 4.80. |
| 2024 | Sales reached €9,505.58 million with a net income of €115.05 million. |
| 2025 | Preliminary 2024 results projected EBITDA between €230-€240 million and ROCE between 28-31%. |
| 2025 | The AGM approved a dividend increase to CHF 5.10 for 2025. |
Strategic Growth Through Acquisitions
The company's history is punctuated by strategic acquisitions, such as BeIP in 2017, Solytron Bulgaria in 2019, Commaxx in 2023, and Target Distribution also in 2023. These moves have consistently expanded its market presence and service offerings across Europe. The acquisition of SWS and Entec in early 2024 further solidified its position in Central Europe.
Financial Performance and Shareholder Value
Financial milestones include reporting sales of €9,505.58 million and a net income of €115.05 million for 2023. The company demonstrated a commitment to shareholder returns by approving its 13th consecutive dividend increase to CHF 4.80 in March 2024, and a further increase to CHF 5.10 for 2025. Preliminary 2024 results projected strong EBITDA and ROCE figures.
Market Leadership and Future Expansion
A significant development for the future is the strategic partnership with Westcoast, announced in February 2024 and expected to complete by February 2025. This partnership is poised to make the company the largest European technology provider, with projected revenues exceeding €15 billion. It will particularly enhance its market position in the UK, Ireland, and France.
'MORE' Strategy and Innovation
The company's future outlook is guided by its 'MORE' strategy, focusing on maintaining its core business, optimizing processes, and reinventing new technological and business areas. Investments in its ecosystem, including potential acquisitions and a possible share buyback program, are planned. With a substantial cash balance of approximately €731 million as of late 2024, the company is well-equipped for continued growth and innovation in the ICT sector.
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