“2023 was a year marked by a turbulent market in the technology area, this was seen in most of the IT companies listed both internationally and locally. It was a year of massive optimizations in IT with pressure on companies’ profitability indicators. In this context, we at AROBS have continued to grow despite these adversities. 2023 was a year in which we worked intensively on effectively integrating the companies we brought under the AROBS umbrella as of 2021. Transformation and integration are complex and lasting processes, the absolute priority being the identification of synergies between the various entities to capitalize on each company’s strengths to improve our service and software offerings. The integration process is a matter of operational alignment and cultivating a common culture that focuses on innovation, excellence in how we work, and close collaboration. However, it is essential to note that such an integration process and, implicitly, accelerated group development may temporarily impact the financial results, including profit. This is a natural aspect for any company that invests in its long-term growth and aligns with our strategy of building a solid foundation for sustainable development”, said Voicu Oprean, founder and CEO of AROBS.
At the level of business lines, in 2023, Software Services recorded a 44% increase compared to 2022, contributing 81% to the turnover. The Software Products segment registered a 20% increase compared to the previous year, its contribution to turnover being 16%. Also, the Integrated Systems segment, which focuses on implementing hardware and software services for public authorities, had a 3% contribution to the 2023 turnover, generating revenues of RON12 million.
“Therefore, in 2024, our main objective remains the successful integration of the companies we have added to the group in the last two years, a process that in some cases will also include the absorption of acquired entities to simplify the Group’s structure and streamline operations between companies. However, this does not mean we are not considering new acquisitions; instead, we are entering a stage where we carefully examine the opportunities, focusing on synergies, complementarities, and solid results of potential acquisitions,” the report reads.
Since the end of 2021, when the Bucharest Stock Exchange listing occurred, the Company has organically implemented an accelerated development strategy through greenfield investments and M&A transactions. By the end of 2023, the Company has completed nine M&A transactions, bringing together companies operating in the same industry and adding value by consolidating and expanding AROBS’ areas of expertise and geographic footprint.
In addition, on February 27, 2024, the Company announced the signing of the tenth transaction through the complete takeover of the Infobest group, specialized in the development of software solutions for automotive, telecommunications, and manufacturing, with offices in Timisoara and Leverkusen, Germany. With this acquisition, the Company aims to consolidate the group’s position in Germany and the DACH region.
AROBS Transilvania Software has been listed on the Main Mrket of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, the Premium category, since September 25, 2023, boasting a market capitalization of RON853 million. AROBS shares have gained 3.7% so far in 2024, amid deals worth RON11.8 million, as per stock market data.