SoftwareOne Holding AG, a global provider of end-to-end software and cloud technology solutions, today announced a major milestone in its $1.4 billion acquisition of Crayon Group Holding ASA. Following overwhelming shareholder support, SoftwareOne now holds 91.6% of Crayon’s share capital, surpassing the 90% threshold required under Norwegian law to proceed with a full takeover.
The acquisition, first launched as a voluntary offer in March, is set to create a global leader in software and cloud product reselling. SoftwareOne, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, secured more than 75.7 million shares of Crayon, with the offer valuing Crayon’s share capital at approximately NOK 15.5 billion ($1.4 billion). The deal consists of 40% cash and 60% new shares in SoftwareOne.
“Reaching the 90% threshold is a strong and unambiguous vote of confidence in the future we are shaping for the combined company,” said Raphael Erb, CEO of SoftwareOne. “With this clear mandate from shareholders, we are fully positioned to finalize the transaction and deliver strategic and financial value for all stakeholders.”
The deal has already cleared key regulatory hurdles, including merger and competition approvals in Germany, Austria, Turkey, the UK, France, Italy, Australia, and the Czech Republic. Final closing conditions are expected to be completed by June 2025.
SoftwareOne also plans to launch a dual listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange to further align with Crayon’s investor base and strengthen its position in the Nordic market.
Once finalized, the combined company will operate in over 70 countries with approximately 13,000 employees. SoftwareOne will continue to provide IT advisory services and work with major technology partners such as Amazon Web Services and Adobe, while Crayon brings deep expertise in licensing software and cloud solutions from Microsoft, Oracle, and others.
Advisers on the transaction include Walder Wyss, Wikborg Rein, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP for SoftwareOne, with Jefferies Group LLC as financial adviser. Crayon is advised by AGP Advokater, ABG Sundal Collier, and Houlihan Lokey Inc.
