Werbas KSR is joining GENII

Dennis, could you give us a brief overview: Where does Werbas KSR come from – and where was the company before GENII came on board?

Werbas KSR was founded in Stuttgart in 1985 as DEKRA data and developed one of the first Windows-based workshop management systems in Germany. As digitalisation in workshops increased, the company grew steadily.

Over the years, there were several changes of ownership, and at times the company was also listed on the stock exchange. In 2021, it was acquired by a private equity investor, and I took on the role of CEO as part of this process. In 2022, Werbas KSR finally became part of the GENII Group.

Why did the owner of Werbas KSR choose GENII as an exit channel?

With its long-term vision for the market, GENII was able to offer the best value to the owners. GENII's approach of maintaining the continuity of the brand and management whilst simultaneously providing resources and investment for scaling fits well with the needs of growing software companies such as Werbas KSR. The professional and efficient transaction process also clearly highlighted GENII's expertise in the field of software acquisitions.

How did the onboarding process go?

The integration into the GENII Group was deliberately designed as a streamlined process. The aim was to preserve the company's operational independence and ensure operational stability. This allowed us to continue our day-to-day business without restrictions whilst gradually benefiting from the advantages of the group.

How did your employees react to GENII's involvement?

There was a certain amount of uncertainty at the outset. I especially appreciated how early GENII engaged with our employees' concerns through many in-person conversations on site. That clearly helped build trust. Crucial to this were not only the communication, but above all the concrete measures taken by GENII – particularly the support with investments, strategic projects and the expansion of our teams.

How much entrepreneurial freedom is actually retained within the GENII Group?

At GENII, we enjoy a high degree of entrepreneurial freedom – both in management and in our market presence. Each company operates as a "local hero" and retains its own identity and freedom of decision-making. At the same time, we benefit from the structure of a larger group: we can develop our business independently whilst accessing extensive resources and support within GENII. Access to the broad network and customer base is also particularly valuable, as it opens up additional growth opportunities. This combination of independence and collective strength enables us to act agilely in our own market whilst benefiting from the group's economies of scale.

What does this mean for your customers?

For our customers, the combination of local responsibility and the strength of an european group creates clear added value. As an independently operating company, we remain close to the market and to the specific requirements of our customers. At the same time, GENII gives us access to resources, expertise and technological developments, which we incorporate into our solutions in a targeted manner.