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Marketable software from Heidelberg - MBG supports Compex Systemhaus GmbH: Investment in sales and distribution and expansion abroad
The MBG, a capital investment company for small and medium-sized businesses, supports the expansion of the Compex Systemhaus GmbH. With its standard software solution Compex Commerce, the Heidelberg company specialized on wholesale, retail and distribution. At the moment, the company is expanding its business activities on the European market. Most recently, Compex opened a branch office in Zagreb. Retail store chains (food/non-food) and wholesalers in Germany, France, Italy, the Benelux countries, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are already convinced of the Compex concept. The innovative software solution covers all business processes of retail and wholesale companies - from purchase to sales and distribution; from merchandise management to logistics, accounting, controlling, and business intelligence. "Compex Systemhaus pursues a consistent strategy", explains MBG manager Dirk Buddensiek. As a partner for retail and wholesale enterprises, the medium-sized software company successfully filled a niche.
Already in the 1980s Compex founder Christophe Loetz laid the foundation for the success of his company. At the university he concentrated on stochastic and integer optimization. When the first computers came out, he used his know-how to go into business for himself. "Right from the beginning, we optimized our customers' business processes and workflows and in doing so we were 15 years ahead of our competitors", says executive partner Loetz. He then gradually concentrated on the retail and wholesale companies that were rather neglected in terms of computerization at that time. The progress in the hardware development also was a fine step forward for the Compex Systemhaus GmbH that started as a limited company with only seven employees in 1990. Since then, the number of employees has increased more than tenfold. "For the machines became more and more efficient, the demand for our software solution increased", Christophe Loetz says. Already after two years, the Heidelberg company started to implement its software on the customers' Unix systems with more than 500 PC workstations. The company has constantly developed its software and added new functions. The development of Compex Visual Commerce in 2003 was unparalleled in terms of business standard software. Its user interface was designed true to the motto 'A picture is worth a thousand words'. Kaiser's Tengelmann, for instance, implemented the software in its 750 stores and five central warehouses. "Our product does everything a retail company needs", Loetz says.
Compex Commerce is also available in French, English, Italian, Czech and Croatian. In 2005, Compex opened a branch office in Paris. Coop Alsace and Pro&Cie, a specialty store for electronic household devices, are two of the Compex customers. Penny uses the software in the Czech Republic, in Hungary, and in Italy. "In cooperation with the MBG, we would like to provide a wider geographical basis for the sales and distribution network", says Christophe Loetz. Particularly as the Compex customers also increase their international activities. By expanding into other countries, CEO Loetz intends to react early to a possible stagnation in the dynamic software industry. "It is our aim to find compensation in the markets of the European countries." According to Loetz, the MBG is a partner that accompanies Compex on its steady and sound way. The strategy obviously works: in comparison to 2007, the company's turnover increased by 30 percent in 2008. "We are working in a small, specialized market segment that is rather difficult and not as profitable for the 'big boys'. This saves us from too many competitors", executive partner Loetz said with regard to the future.
The MBG is already supporting the Compex Systemhaus GmbH for the second time. "The company is exemplary in its development", says Dirk Buddensiek. The innovative software solution 'Made in Baden-Wuerttemberg' is convincing for the medium-sized enterprises all over Europe.