SAP to acquire LeanIX in move to expand business transformation portfolio

SAP has revealed plans to acquire LeanIX, a front-runner in enterprise architecture management (EAM) software based in Bonn, Germany. Although financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the acquisition is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2023, pending regulatory approvals and other standard closing conditions.

Impact on SAP’s Business Transformation Suite

The acquisition aims to enhance SAP‘s already robust portfolio in business transformation. For a decade, LeanIX has been a strategic partner for SAP and its Signavio solutions, aiding many Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in their digital transformation journeys with SAP’s RISE solution. The combined suite will facilitate AI-enabled process optimization and equip SAP customers with unparalleled clarity on IT landscapes necessary for successful business transformation.

LeanIX’s Contributions to Enterprise Architecture

LeanIX’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings are already being utilized by over 1,000 global customers to visualize their IT application landscape. It identifies applications at risk of obsolescence, helps in designing target states, and plans new architectural roadmaps. The company has also introduced an AI assistant designed for enterprise architecture management, setting the foundation for future intelligent recommendation engines aimed at IT landscape transformation.

SAP’s Planned LeanIX Acquisition Aims for AI-Enabled Business Transformation. Photo courtesy of SAP.

Executive Statements on the Planned Acquisition

Christian Klein, CEO of SAP, stated, “Systems and processes go hand in hand. Together with LeanIX, we want to offer a first-of-its-kind transformation suite to provide holistic support to our customers on their business transformation journeys. Building on our decades of expertise, we’ll embed generative AI to offer self-optimizing applications and processes.”

André Christ, CEO and co-founder of LeanIX, said, “For more than a decade, we have pursued a relentless customer-centric approach. With an integrated, comprehensive view of IT applications and business processes, we speed up modernization and reduce transformation risks for our customers.”

The Future of SAP and LeanIX

The acquisition will allow SAP to offer an integrated view of business processes and applications. The LeanIX IT landscape transformation capabilities will complement SAP’s existing suite, including SAP Signavio Process Transformation Suite, RISE with SAP, and SAP Business Technology Platform, to offer customers a culture of continuous adaptability and improvement. LeanIX will also continue to serve non-SAP landscapes.