Dr. Ingmar Ackermann Dr. Ingmar Ackermann is responsible for Investor Relations at PC-WARE Information Technologies AG. Since April 2006, he has been CEO of the Ravenholm Group, a recently acquired subsidiary of PC-WARE. He explains in this five-question interview how he intends to initiate this change.

1) Dr. Ackermann, what are the main challenges facing you as new CEO of the Ravenholm Computing Group? Which areas are you likely to focus on?

Continued growth at Ravenholm is at the very top of my agenda. Successful integration of the individual domestic enterprises within the PC-WARE Group is to be seen as the launch pad for accelerated growth, simply because this approach will generate synergies that can be translated into tangible benefits for our customers.

2) Will you be implementing restructuring measures?

There are likely to be slight realignments in the respective countries in order to provide a suitable basis for future growth. However, these changes will not involve measures generally associated with "restructuring". In other words, we do not intend to downsize our personnel base. Rather, the aim is to upgrade internal processes and structures, which in actual fact is likely to result in staff recruitment, as opposed to job cuts.

3) Which role will the North European companies play within the PC-WARE Group in the short, medium and long term?

Until recently, PC-WARE had established absolutely no presence in the North of Europe. With the acquisition of Ravenholm, this situation changed virtually overnight: having gained access to a strong local base, Europe's leading specialist in software licensing and software management is now in a position to supply its products and services in the Nordic region. This will mean tangible benefits for all customers. For those headquartered in the North of Europe and operating branch offices around the world, as well as for those based elsewhere.

4) What is your approach to integration and what will this mean for staff?

The initial phase of integration was about getting to know each other; this included the people with whom we shall be working in future, the existing product and service portfolio as well as the various internal processes and structures. My main emphasis has been on earning the trust of those involved and ensuring transparency. After all, this is the best basis for a successful and long-standing relationship not only within the company itself but also when it comes to serving our customer base.

5) Effective from April 1, Ravenholm will be sporting the corporate design of its new parent company. Why has the company name been retained and why has Ravenholm Linsoft chosen an entirely different approach?

If we promise our customers greater transparency, then naturally this has to be reflected in our own marketing and branding efforts. At the same time, however, we wish to use the outstanding reputation established by Ravenholm, which is why we have opted for an evolutionary branding concept. The first phase will involve adjustments to the corporate design, while the name is to be changed at a later stage.
In the case of Ravenholm Linsoft Sweden, the situation is slightly different, as this company is the product of a recent merger between two well-known enterprises. Rather than incorporating a third name, we have decided to introduce the new name of PC-WARE Sweden in autumn 2006.