Solare Datensysteme GmbH (SDS) is headquartered in the southern German town of Geislingen-Binsdorf, employs 84 people and is the market leader in the monitoring of photovoltaic installations. It has been developing and selling the Solar-Log™ monitoring devices since 2005. These products not only supply the data necessary for reliable operation of photovoltaic facilities, they also optimise self-consumption. Through its portal solutions, SDS monitors over 230,000 photovoltaic installations on behalf of its customers with a total installed capacity of 9.9 GWp, which equates to around a quarter of Germany's total installed photovoltaic capacity. Currently, 70% of existing customers are based in Germany and 90% in Europe.

The acquisition of SDS is a further step for BKW in the implementation of its strategy to become a leading supplier of complete energy solutions. It will complement and broaden BKW's competence in the field of energy efficiency and allow it to expand its expertise in the emerging market of photovoltaic monitoring and optimisation of self-consumption. The merger will result in interesting synergies for both companies. They see a great deal of potential in the direct marketing of solar power from SDS's over 200,000 customers in Europe. Furthermore, BKW and SDS will also press ahead with innovative solutions in building technology and optimisation of self-consumption. In particular, this new partnership will create the ideal conditions for close collaboration to develop joint energy management solutions and products in future that can be marketed throughout Europe and even worldwide. For example, synergies with BKW's shareholding in the company Ampard are conceivable.

"We are delighted to have found a strong partner like BKW, which also shares our values and is close to us geographically," says Frank Schlichting, CEO of Solare Datensysteme. "And this means our key unique selling point of vendor independence will remain unaffected". Suzanne Thoma, CEO of BKW, underscores the importance of the acquisition: "BKW is looking forward to working on some exciting and pioneering projects with its new subsidiary and welcomes all SDS employees to the BKW family".

The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction value.

The acquisition is due to be completed in September.

Solare Datensysteme GmbH

Solare Datensysteme GmbH (SDS) is headquartered in the southern German town of Geislingen-Binsdorf and is one of the leading companies for solar monitoring, offering a global service for operators and installers. The company specialises in the development and sale of monitoring systems for photovoltaic installations. SDS's core competence covers innovative products with short development cycles and an excellent cost/performance ratio. Since 2005, SDS has been developing and marketing a range of products, including the Solar-Log™ product line, which is already available in many European countries. SDS's solutions play an important role in successfully integrating renewable energies into a smart electricity grid and making the energy transition a reality. To find out more about the company, see www.solar-log.com.

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