The Materna Group is continuing to pursue its growth strategy and, with effect from 15 February 2022, has acquired 100 per cent of the Munich-based software company Virtual Solution AG. The company employs around 90 staff and develops software for a secure, ultra-mobile working environment on smart devices running the iOS and Android operating systems. Virtual Solution’s client base includes hundreds of federal, state and local authorities, as well as BOS and KRITIS organisations, which use BSI-approved solutions to communicate and work in a GDPR-compliant manner via ultra-mobile devices, right up to the ‘Secret’ security classification level. It is the only cross-platform solution of its kind to date. With the acquisition and further development of Virtual Solution’s software products, Materna is further expanding its already leading position as a solution provider for the public sector. Virtual Solution will be operated as an independent company within the Materna Group. Sascha Wellershoff remains CEO of Virtual Solution AG. The previous group of owners led by Nicolaus von Rintelen is transferring full ownership of the company to Materna.
Providing a secure mobile working environment is a key prerequisite for Germany’s digital sovereignty. At the same time, the threat posed by cyber-attacks continues to rise significantly. In the public sector, applications such as specialist procedures and electronic files must increasingly be accessible via ultra-mobile devices within a secure environment. In this area, Materna – with its focus on Digital Administration and Cyber Security – is an established business partner for a very broad customer base.
“The acquisition of Virtual Solution consolidates our market-leading position in public administration. We see ourselves as a strategic partner for our clients, such as ministries, federal and state authorities and, in particular, the BSI – offering unique services and solutions from Germany and for Germany,” explains Martin Wibbe, CEO of the Materna Group.
Nicolaus von Rintelen, investor and former principal shareholder of Virtual Solution AG: “I am handing over our company to my preferred candidate. Despite market interest, only a recognised German company was a viable option for us as a buyer. Since 2014, I have poured all my energy and passion into Virtual Solution, in addition to my investment. Now it is time for the next stage of growth. With regard to its future development, our company is in the very best of hands with the Materna Group.”
Sascha Wellershoff says: “We are delighted to have found in Materna an established German group of companies where we can realise our potential and further develop our high-performance communication solutions. Together, this will enable us to reach our goal even faster: to provide public authorities and enterprises nationwide and internationally with a secure, ultra-mobile working environment.”
Dr René Rüdinger, CFO at Materna, adds: “The Materna Group has a rock-solid, long-term capital structure that enables us to finance transactions of this scale from our own resources, without relying on the capital markets. We are delighted to be able to offer Virtual Solution the stability it needs through our strong group of companies, thereby enabling further growth.”
BSI-approved solution for secure mobile communication
The key solution in Virtual Solution’s product portfolio is SecurePIM, an application based on state-of-the-art container technology for iOS and Android devices. It provides employees with a secure mobile workspace and enables integrated working with email, calendars, documents, web-based specialist applications, instant messaging and even video conferencing – all securely within a single app. The solution’s unique selling point is its cross-platform compatibility with iOS and Android devices. The software is approved for use with classified information and allows users to work securely and with encryption using smartphones and tablets – a macOS solution is currently in the planning stage. Federal, state and local authorities, as well as emergency services (BOS) and KRITIS companies, can use SecurePIM to communicate and work on the move at the confidentiality levels ‘Classified – for official use only’ (VS-NfD) and ‘NATO Restricted’. Smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly important in the modern workplace. Virtual Solution anticipates that SecurePIM can be deployed across the board in the German market – whilst the international market will be further expanded. Federal and state authorities can procure the solution via the Federal Government’s procurement portal under a framework agreement, without the need for a tender process. Materna will continue to develop SecurePIM in line with market requirements and is working towards the goal of creating a “standard solution for ultra-mobile workplaces”.
Materna: a pioneer in digitalisation within the public sector
The implementation of digitalisation solutions for public administration is one of the group’s highest-revenue business areas, accounting for one-third of the group’s turnover. For many years, Materna has taken on the role of a thought leader in digitalisation within the public sector and supports clients in setting the course for a modern and lean public administration in Germany. A key driver for the public sector at present, which Materna is closely supporting, is the Online Access Act (OZG), which, with its deadline set for the end of 2022, is significantly driving forward the digitalisation of public administration.
Group Strategy: Mission 2025
The acquisition of Virtual Solution AG and the recent takeover of Traffgo Road GmbH are the result of the ‘Mission 2025’ strategy of the Materna IT group. By 2025, Materna is set to grow to a turnover of 700 million euros and a workforce of 5,000 employees, both in its core market of Germany and internationally with clients in Europe, the USA and Asia. Materna is well on track to achieve this: at the beginning of February, the company welcomed its 3,000th employee. The 2021 financial year will close with record figures.
