Wolters Kluwer makes binding offer to purchase Enablon to further strengthen its portfolio of legal and compliance software solutions

Relied upon by more than 1,000 companies and 1 million users in 160 countries, Enablon offers an award-winning modular platform to manage enterprise-wide environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance, improve sustainability and mitigate operational risks. The Enablon platform is used by major corporations worldwide, across a wide range of industries.

Enablon generated software and services revenues of approximately €45 million in 2015, of which approximately 57% was derived from North America, around 39% from Europe and the remainder from Asia Pacific and the rest of the world. The company has a positive operating margin, which currently reflects the impact of increased investment in R&D and sales and marketing to support revenue growth. Enablon's revenues are expected to grow organically to reach approximately €55 million in 2016, driven by product innovation and market expansion.

The acquisition is expected to be approximately 1% accretive to adjusted earnings in the first full calendar year after closing. Wolters Kluwer expects to achieve a return on invested capital above its after tax weighted average cost of capital within three to five years of completion.

"Enablon tightly aligns with the core value Legal & Regulatory provides to customers, which is founded in our expert solutions that enable organizations to comply with complex laws and regulations, while enhancing performance and mitigating risk," said Legal & Regulatory division CEO Stacey Caywood. "The acquisition will also immediately expand our ability to serve the enterprise needs of global organizations, and accelerate our ability to advance further in the global compliance market."

Together, Wolters Kluwer and Enablon will continue to deliver Enablon's leading solutions to customers, leveraging Wolters Kluwer's global reach and commitment to further strengthen and expand Enablon offerings globally in existing and adjacent markets.

"We are very excited by the opportunity to join Wolters Kluwer," said Dan Vogel, Enablon Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder. "Since the creation of Enablon in 2000, we have been constantly investing in our products, technology and people to benefit our growing community of customers and partners. Joining a global leader would benefit our community by accelerating the growth of our solutions and advancing our position globally."

Enablon has approximately 340 employees, with global headquarters in Courbevoie, France, and North American headquarters in Chicago.

Upon receipt of the offer, Enablon granted to Wolters Kluwer an exclusivity period during which Enablon will conduct its employee consultation process in accordance with French legal requirements.