23.12.05 DGAP-Ad hoc: Bechtle AG <DE0005158703>: Ad hoc announcement §15 WpHG / Mergers &

Ad hoc announcement §15 WpHG

Mergers & Acquisitions

Bechtle AG acquires Dutch company Artikona

Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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- The Bechtle Group strengthens ARP´s international expansion course with the
acquisition
- Artikona´s profitable business development
- Synergy effects expected through e-commerce division

Neckarsulm, 23/12/2005 - With effect from January 1st 2006, the Bechtle Group
acquires the three Netherlands-based operative subsidiaries of the Artikona
Holding B.V. via its wholly-owned subsidiary ARP Holding AG, Rotkreuz,
Switzerland. The IT companies employ a total of 49 members of staff in
Maastricht and Amsterdam. The acquisition is part of the Swiss e-commerce
company´s international expansion strategy and will insofar be the first ARP
locations in a non German-speaking area.

In the 2004 financial year, Artikona recorded turnover of 20.1 million Euros
and achieved EBIT of 1.9 million Euros. The retail companies focus on sales of
high margin IT products, such as accessories and consumables, as well as
printer-related business including service and maintenance contracts. In the
Netherlands Artikona is one of the largest HP partners (HP Select Partner
Status) and is Microsoft´s largest Open Subscription Licence (OSL) reseller.
Positive effects and economies of scale from the integration of their
activities are particularly to be expected from Artikona accessing ARP´s e-
commerce know-how and ARP´s purchasing company based in Taiwan.

As is usually the case with Bechtle acquisitions, the continuity of the
business organisation will be preserved. This means that the managing
directors of the company and the management of the company´s location will
continue to be handled as under the previous management. Furthermore, the
well-established Artikona brand name is to be retained. Both parties have
agreed not to disclose details of the purchase price, which is to be paid in
cash.

Contact: Bechtle AG, Sabine Emich, Investor Relations, Tel.: +49 (0) 7132/981-
4115, Fax: +49 (0) 7132/981-4116, sabine.emich@bechtle.com ,
http://www.bechtle.com

Bechtle AG
Bechtle Platz 1
74172 Neckarsulm
Deutschland

ISIN: DE0005158703 (TecDAX)
WKN: 515870
Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin-
Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart

End of ad hoc announcement (c)DGAP 23.12.2005

Autor: import DGAP.DE (© DGAP),14:45 23.12.2005