Nemetschek Group to Acquire GoCanvas to Further Accelerate Digitalization in Construction Industry

Insider brief

• Nemetschek Group has acquired GoCanvas
• The announcement comes as the Nemetschek Group looks to expand its influence in the construction industry.
• The partnership will bolster Nemetschek’s digital portfolio, including digital twins.

RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Nemetschek Group (NEM.DE), a leading global provider of software solutions for the AEC/O and media industries, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all shares in GoCanvas Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Reston, Virginia, USA. GoCanvas® is a leading provider of field worker collaboration software that digitizes traditionally paper-based processes, simplifies inspections, improves safety, and maximizes compliance with more than 300,000 active users worldwide in the first quarter of 2024.

“Adding the powerful solutions of GoCanvas gives us a strong competitive edge while opening access to a rapidly growing market for field workforces in construction and other adjacent verticals.”

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The Nemetschek Group´s Build Segment offers subscription and SaaS products that simplify customers’ jobs and connect openly with other AEC/O solutions and platforms. GoCanvas fits perfectly in this strategy by offering flexible cloud and mobile field worker solutions that help customers efficiently collect real-time data, collaborate across worksites, create digital checklists, make data-driven business decisions, and replace paperwork with smart, simple workflows.

Complementary Technologies Create a Best-in-Class Portfolio for a Sustainable Built Environment Globally

The acquisition of GoCanvas will capture significant growth opportunities and technology synergies through further enhancing market and customer access. GoCanvas further strengthens Nemetschek Group’s positioning in the US while Nemetschek will provide GoCanvas a unique footprint to expand in Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Nemetschek Group’s largest brand Bluebeam is already the most trusted name for collaboration solutions in the built environment and is poised to utilize this market leadership to introduce GoCanvas solutions to extend value to field workers. GoCanvas expands the existing Build portfolio of Nemetschek by providing solutions that simplify operations for on-site professionals across diverse sectors including construction, manufacturing and energy with workflows including safety, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), quality and work progress. These solutions deliver enhanced productivity and efficiency gains for field workers, including reduced travel, heightened safety measures, and improved collaboration.

GoCanvas already has a strong position in the fast-growing field worker market. Consequently, the TAM (total addressable market) for the Build segment increases significantly.

“GoCanvas is a great fit and a perfect complement to our existing solution portfolio in the Build segment and therefore represents a valuable addition to our expertise in covering the complete AEC/O life cycle,” says Yves Padrines, CEO of the Nemetschek Group. “Adding the powerful solutions of GoCanvas gives us a strong competitive edge while opening access to a rapidly growing market for field workforces in construction and other adjacent verticals.”

Viyas Sundaram, GoCanvas CEO, adds: “We are thrilled to join the Nemetschek Group as we continue our mission to simplify inspections and digitize paper-based processes. This partnership will accelerate our growth and development, allowing us to offer our solutions to a wider range of customers. Together, we will support them in safeguarding their people, protecting their assets, and delivering exceptional quality.”

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming the GoCanvas team to the Nemetschek family,” adds Usman Shuja, Chief Division Officer of the Build & Construct Division and CEO of Bluebeam Inc. “GoCanvas extends the simplicity and delightful user experience that Bluebeam and 123OnSite users value. I am excited to expand our latest innovations to the field worker. Our customers will significantly benefit from this combined power, as we are now able to provide a comprehensive offering with the most advanced and sustainable functionalities possible.”

Innovative and Fast-Growing Company

GoCanvas was founded in 2008 and has more than 300 employees with locations in the US, Canada, Australia and South Africa. With its strong Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) growth of around 20% in recent years, GoCanvas generated an ARR of USD 67 million and an operating margin still below the Nemetschek Group average in 2023. GoCanvas’ growth is expected to stay at the level of around 20% in the coming years with an increase in operating margin resulting from operational leverage, synergies and economies of scale. The purchase price (on a cash-/debt-free basis) represents a 2023 ARR multiple of around 11.5x based on the 2023 ARR.

Transaction financing will be provided by Nemetschek’s own cash resources and existing credit facilities. The acquisition is expected to close in summer 2024 and is subject to customary regulatory approval and closing conditions. Until the transaction closes, each company will continue to operate independently. Upon closing, the CEO of GoCanvas, Viyas Sundaram, and his team will join the Nemetschek Group. More details related to the transaction will be disclosed after closing of the acquisition.

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