G+D acquires majority stake in Netcetera

By Gloria Methri

Munich-based Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is doubling its stake in software company Netcetera from 30 to 60 percent.

G+D joined Netcetera as a strategic partner in September 2020 to accelerate the company’s growth with digital payments solutions. To further support Netcetera’s international growth, G+D is increasing its stake in the company to 60 percent, with the share transfer planned for February 2023. Netcetera will remain an independent company.

The acquisition of the majority shares by G+D opens a new chapter in Netcetera’s corporate history. Together with the Board of Directors, CEO and co-founder Andrej Vckovski has decided to step down from the company’s operational management at the end of January 2023.

The Board has appointed Carsten Wengel as the new CEO of Netcetera starting 1 February 2023. Wengel heads up global sales and distribution for the digital and card-based payments business at G+D. He brings with him many years of international experience in various executive functions in the IT and financial sectors.

“With its focus on software solutions that are essential to the success of customers and their business processes, Netcetera complements and strengthens Giesecke+Devrient’s digital portfolio,” said Ralf Wintergerst, CEO of G+D and Chairman of the Board of Netcetera. “Expanding our partnership is the next logical step and confirms our mutual trust. Together, we are laying the foundation for further joint growth.”

“As the market leader, Netcetera is excellently positioned, and I am pleased that our company is continuing to pursue its expansion strategy together with G+D. In the past two years, we have strengthened our innovative power and developed further international growth potential,” emphasized Andrej Vckovski, CEO and co-founder of Netcetera.

“I am very pleased to be entrusted by the Netcetera Board of Directors with the leadership of the company and to contribute to its ongoing development,” underlined Carsten Wengel, future CEO at Netcetera. “Together with all Netceterians we will drive sustainable growth in our core markets with innovative and forward-looking digital solutions.”