News

• RISA is a key player in structural analysis and design software in the U.S.
• High-level strategic fit to strengthen Nemetschek's position in the U.S. structural market
• Acquisition complements Nemetschek's existing portfolio of AEC software

D.A. Davidson & Co. announced that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to RISA Technologies, Inc. in its sale to Nemetschek SE.

Headquartered in Foothill Ranch, Calif., RISA offers one of most popular structural engineering software suites in the U.S. for multi-material structures such as steel, concrete, masonry and wood. With approximately 10,000 users, RISA has leading market share and is a key provider to top design firms in the U.S. RISA was acquired by the Nemetschek Group, based in Munich, Germany, as part of Nemetschek’s worldwide structural engineering software strategy. Nemetschek already has a leading market position in the European structural analysis and design market via its brand SCIA. With the acquisition of RISA, Nemetschek further establishes its commitment to delivering complete engineering workflows in the U.S. market.

Additionally, RISA’s large market share in the U.S. will increase awareness of the Nemetschek Group in the U.S. structural market, accelerate growth through close collaboration between the brands and support Nemetschek’s commercial strategies. “RISA is perfectly complementing our existing solution portfolio for the AEC industry. The acquisition of RISA, in combination with the strong position of SCIA in Europe, allows us to take a leap forward in significantly strengthening our market share in the worldwide structural market,” said Patrik Heider, Spokesman and CFOO of the Nemetschek Group.

“The acquisition is a great fit for both companies,” said Bruce Bates, founder and current CEO of RISA. Bates will be retiring shortly after passing the CEO role to Amber Freund, current COO, who joined RISA in 2005. “I am excited to join the Nemetschek Group and the opportunities it provides to both our customers and our company. We look forward to collaborating with other Nemetschek brands to provide a comprehensive set of design tools for structural engineers,” said Freund.

“Through a combination of their experience and efforts RISA is now poised for its next chapter of growth,” Bates said.

“Bruce and Amber have established RISA as one of the leading providers of structural engineering and design software, as evidenced by its use among 24 of the top 25 design firms in the US,” said Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director at D.A. Davidson. “We are pleased to have advised RISA on this transaction and to help position the company for continued success as part of the Nemetschek Group.”

The acquisition is expected to be closed in October 2017.

With the signing of this transaction, D.A. Davidson’s investment banking group has advised on multiple deals within the engineering software sector in the past year. Since the start of 2012, members of D.A. Davidson’s Technology investment banking team have advised on 40 completed transactions.

D.A. Davidson & Co.’s investment banking division is a leading full-service investment bank that offers comprehensive financial advisory and capital markets expertise and has extensive transaction experience serving middle market clients worldwide.

About D.A. Davidson Companies

D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 and headquartered in Montana, with corporate offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle, the company has more than 1,300 employees and offices in 24 states.

Subsidiaries include: D.A. Davidson & Co., the largest full-service investment firm headquartered in the Northwest, providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company; and Davidson Fixed Income Management, a registered investment adviser providing fixed income portfolio and advisory services.

For more information, visit dadavidson.com or Twitter: @DADavidsonCo.