Thoma Bravo completes acquisition of USU Product Business majority stake

Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, has officially acquired a majority stake in USU Product Business, a prominent provider of IT management solutions. This strategic acquisition, announced in October 2024, marks a major step in expanding USU Product’s offerings while accelerating its business growth trajectory.

As part of the deal, Thoma Bravo will invest in enhancing USU Product’s capabilities, enabling it to operate independently. With over 600 employees, the company focuses on developing, supporting, and maintaining industry-leading IT Service Management, IT Asset Management, IT Operations Management, and Knowledge Management solutions.

USU Product will continue under its current leadership, with Benjamin Strehl as CEO. Meanwhile, Bernhard Oberschmidt joins the board of directors, reinforcing the company’s management team and ensuring consistency for its customers. Strehl emphasized that the partnership with Thoma Bravo would empower the company to expand its IT management solutions and create greater value for its clients.

Strategic Goals for Growth and Innovation

Thoma Bravo’s investment strategy aims to accelerate innovation and geographical expansion, particularly in Europe. The firm has highlighted Germany as a crucial growth market. This is Thoma Bravo’s second acquisition in the DACH region this year, reflecting its broader strategy of investing in software companies that drive transformative growth.

Irina Hemmers, a partner at Thoma Bravo, expressed excitement about the closing, emphasizing the opportunity to invest further in Germany’s robust tech ecosystem. She noted that the partnership would bolster USU Product’s ability to scale operations and innovate its portfolio.

The financing for the transaction includes backing from Morgan Stanley Private Credit, Guggenheim Investments, and HSBC Innovation Banking UK.

USU Product’s Legacy and Future

USU Product has established itself as a trusted partner for global companies navigating complex IT landscapes. Its suite of IT management solutions empowers businesses to reduce costs, improve productivity, and manage the increasing intricacies of technological operations. With Thoma Bravo’s support, USU Product plans to enhance its existing platforms and solutions further while expanding its reach.

The partnership aligns with Thoma Bravo’s commitment to fostering growth in innovative software firms across Europe. USU Software AG, the parent company of USU Product, retains its digital consulting business as a wholly owned subsidiary. The Strehl family, founders of USU, remain committed stakeholders in the product business.

Broader Implications for the Software Industry

This acquisition underscores the growing importance of private equity investment in advancing technological innovation. David Tse, Senior Vice President at Thoma Bravo, highlighted the firm’s intent to build on USU Product’s strong customer commitment and legacy, noting that innovation and mergers and acquisitions would play pivotal roles in the company’s future success.

As USU Product transitions into an independent entity, industry observers anticipate a stronger focus on developing IT management solutions that address the evolving needs of global enterprises.

Expert Insights

Industry experts suggest that Thoma Bravo’s expertise in software investments will provide USU Product with access to a wider network and additional resources. This could position USU Product as a leading pan-European provider of IT services. Hemmers emphasized that the firm’s investment would help scale USU Product’s operations while maintaining its commitment to innovation and customer-centricity.