MELOS's journey towards a partnership with GENII

Andreas, what was MELOS's journey before joining GENII?

MELOS was founded in 1988 by Herbert Mayer and focused on the development of laboratory information systems (LIS) for large laboratory groups. Our software excels at managing complex workflows and, thanks to our unique master data server (MSDS), can process over 50,000 orders daily. We have also successfully introduced a digital solution for order entry and a platform for reporting and invoicing called MDN – MELOS Digital Network. I joined MELOS as a consultant in 2002 and was appointed Managing Director in 2007. As Mr Mayer's son-in-law, I thus continued the MELOS family tradition. However, as our children had chosen different career paths, we needed to secure the long-term future of the company.

What ultimately convinced you to choose GENII?

For us, it was crucial to find a partner not looking for a quick exit. GENII has never sold a company – that immediately built trust. At the same time, I was won over by the idea of building something bigger together. The vision of a European laboratory division represented a real shift in perspective for us.

How did you experience the acquisition process?

The process was very collaborative and surprisingly straightforward. We launched our business plan at the end of 2021 and finalised it in 2022. It was important that we defined a joint growth strategy right from the start. It was never just about a transaction, but about how we could develop the company together and strengthen our market position in Europe. GENII's long-term vision enabled it to offer us, as owners, the best value.

What are the benefits of being part of a larger software group?

Above all, the speed. Issues that we previously had to tackle alone, we can now implement together – whether it's innovations like AI or expanding our portfolio. In addition, we have access to M&A expertise and a strong network that has already helped us expand our laboratory division to four companies.

And what has remained the same despite the partnership with GENII?

Our entrepreneurial freedom. GENII has a very entrepreneurial structure that gives us a great deal of freedom in developing our business.