The Hilti Group is taking the next strategic step to further expand its software business and plans to acquire 4PS Group, which specializes in providing business management (ERP) solutions for the construction industry. Together, Hilti and the 4PS Group can strengthen their position to drive the digital transformation of the construction industry.
Founded in 2000 in the Netherlands, 4PS is a leading player in its domestic market and has expanded its presence to include the UK, Belgium and Germany. With over 70,000 daily users in the building construction, civil engineering and installation sectors 4PS has gained a strong reputation for the breadth of its industry expertise.
Shared focus on digital transformation
"As a company closely working with customers, and with a focus on supporting the digital transformation of the construction industry, 4PS Group is a perfect fit for Hilti. We also share the conviction that there is enormous productivity potential for construction companies in optimized business processes," explains Thomas Hillbrand, member of the Hilti Executive Board. "Construction projects are complex, and administrative tasks take up a large amount of time. All the more reason for us to digitalize processes and make information easily and quickly available." The 4PS solution allows Hilti to expand its software offering beyond asset management (ON!Track) and jobsite management (Fieldwire) and to provide integrated solutions that cover the entire value chain of its customers.
"We are looking forward to joining forces with Hilti,” says Johan Bakker, Director Sales & Marketing at 4PS Group. “Like Hilti, we understand our customers’ challenges and offer direct advice and support in implementing our innovative software solutions. It is an important next step to be able to take a leading role in the European market.”
Paula Middelkoop, Director Product & Development at 4PS Group, adds: “Our customers, partners and employees will benefit from this acquisition. By integrating our services and cloud solutions into Hilti’s portfolio, we can together fully focus on becoming the trusted digitalization partner for the construction industry.”
Continuity and integration
Both parties have signed the acquisition agreements, subject to approval by oversight authorities. Hilti is committed to retaining the more than 350 team members, including management, in their current roles, where they will continue to develop new solutions. The shareholders of the company, Wim Jansen, André Overeem and Martin Westerink, will remain on the Board of Directors to support the integration in the coming years.
4PS Construct software, based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, offers construction-specific functionalities that enable companies to manage the entire construction project life cycle. This allows construction companies to take control of their profitability by monitoring margins, forecasting results, controlling resources and planning effectively.
Hilti and 4PS Group customers will benefit from a wide range of software solutions from a single provider with a long-term orientation and a strong commitment to innovation. The partnership with Microsoft remains a cornerstone for future business process management solutions.
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