BuildTec Software Group appoints Thomas Surwald as new Group CEO

BuildTec Software Group (BTSG), one of Europe’s leading platforms comprising of partner companies for innovative software solutions in the construction and crafts sector, today announces the appointment of Thomas Surwald as the new CEO of the Group. In this role, he succeeds Alexander Neuss, who is stepping down from the operational business and will continue to play a key role in the strategic direction of BTSG, as President and member of the Advisory Board.

Under the leadership of Alexander Neuss, BTSG has established itself as one of the leading platforms for innovative software solutions in the construction and crafts sector. With over 500 employees today, BTSG is driving the growth of the platform to deliver even better and more tailored software solutions to its customers. BTSG covers the areas of construction ERP, timber construction, staircase construction and sheet metal processing, among others, and combines brands such as SEMA, Compass, Powerbird, Sitara, Pro-Bau/S (Husemann & Fritz), DigiPara, E-Komplet, Acies and SORBA.

"It has been an honor to lead BTSG in recent years and to actively shape the growth and success story of this company together with a strong team. I am looking forward to remaining a part of the BTSG family and contributing to the future of the company from a different perspective, as President and member of the Advisory Board, bringing my experience to this new role," says Alexander Neuss.

His successor, Thomas Surwald, has 25 years of experience in successfully leading and managing companies in innovation-driven markets. His outstanding successes include the expansion of the portal, application, hosting and DSL business as CEO of 1&1 Internet AG, the development of the triple play / broadband business as a member of the management of Unitymedia and Kabel Baden-Württemberg (now Vodafone) and the establishment and expansion of Telematic Services as Managing Director within the E.ON Group. As Group CEO of the COMCAVE Group and Board Member of Amadeus fire AG, Thomas successfully established and expanded technology and software-driven education platforms over the past eight years.

"I am very much looking forward to my new role and to working with the BTSG team," says Thomas "What drives me is my enthusiasm for people and the challenge of visibly developing companies for the future. My ultimate goal is to be successful together and to meet our customers' expectations better than anyone else in the market with innovative products and unique service."

Philipp Struth, Partner at Bregal Unternehmerkapital (BU), comments: "We decided on the new CEO position together with Alexander Neuss and planned for the long term. We are delighted to have found the ideal successor in Thomas Surwald. We are convinced that he has the necessary skills and enthusiasm to continue BTSG's success story. At the same time, we would like to thank Alexander Neuss for his cooperation and his significant contribution to our success to date. He has laid a very strong foundation for the next phase of growth. We are delighted that he will continue to support the Group as President and member of the Advisory Board."

About BuildTec Software Group

The BuildTec Software Group, with its portfolio of several pioneering software brands for the construction industry, is on its way to becoming the leading European platform for software solutions in the construction & crafts sector. The group's partner companies already provide reliable support to more than 20,000 customers. BuildTec's mission is to provide sustainable solutions for the construction industry and construction trade through its partner companies and to help its customers meet the challenges of a converging industry. With solutions in the areas of construction ERP, timber construction, stair construction and sheet metal processing, the BuildTec group of companies covers several key areas along the construction industry's value chain. Well-known brands such as SEMA, Compass, Powerbird, Sitara, Pro-Bau/S (Husemann & Fritz), DigiPara, E-Komplet, Acies and SORBA are the preferred tools used by thousands of companies every day. In order to continuously expand its market position and offer its customers innovative solutions, the BuildTec Software Group, together with its partner companies in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France and Denmark, invests on average 15% of its annual turnover in the further development of software solutions.

About Bregal Unternehmerkapital

Bregal Unternehmerkapital (“BU”) is a leading investment firm with offices in Zug, Munich, and Milan. With €7.0bn in capital raised to date, BU is the largest mid-cap investor headquartered in the DACH region. The funds advised by BU invest in mid-sized companies based in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria. With the mission to be the partner of choice for entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses, BU seeks to partner with market leaders and “hidden champions” with strong management teams and breakout potential. Since its founding in 2015, the funds advised by BU have invested over €3.5 billion in more than 100 companies with more than 28,000 employees. Thereby, more than 8,200 jobs have been created. BU supports entrepreneurs and families as a strategic partner to develop, internationalize, and digitize their businesses, while helping them generate sustainable value on a responsible basis with the next generation in mind.