Max Schaber Receives M&A Lifetime Achievement Award for Transformative IT Industry Leadership

Max Schaber, founder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DATAGROUP, received the M&A Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Federal Association for Mergers & Acquisitions (BMA). The honor acknowledges his exceptional contributions to Germany's mergers and acquisitions landscape, particularly through his leadership in transforming DATAGROUP into a dominant force in the IT services sector.

The M&A Award, established in 2023, has rapidly become a significant platform for recognizing excellence in the M&A industry. The annual ceremony in Berlin aims to highlight successful, innovative, and sustainable transactions while promoting best practices across the sector. Awards are presented across ten categories, with judging criteria including strategic relevance, economic success, innovation, and sustainability considerations.

Schaber's recognition stems from his pioneering work in mergers and acquisitions since DATAGROUP's initial public offering in 2006. Under his leadership, the company has successfully acquired and integrated more than 30 companies into its organization. The company's consistent application of "buy and turn around" and "buy and build" strategies has played a crucial role in consolidating Germany's fragmented IT services market, creating a more robust and efficient industry structure.

What distinguishes DATAGROUP's approach is its emphasis on preserving the acquired companies' core strengths. The organization prioritizes maintaining customer relationships and service portfolios while integrating new acquisitions. This methodology not only enhances the corporate group's overall performance but also provides employees from acquired companies with long-term job security and career development opportunities.

"This award is not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the many dedicated employees at DATAGROUP," Schaber emphasized following the ceremony. He credited the company's success to his team's commitment, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit, which have positioned DATAGROUP as one of Germany's leading IT service providers. The company's M&A achievements, according to Schaber, stem from partnership-oriented thinking, sustainable integration practices, and the fundamental belief that people remain central to every successful transformation.

The lifetime achievement award underscores the critical importance of long-term M&A strategies for sustainable business growth. Schaber's career exemplifies how responsible acquisition policies can effectively combine economic strength with social responsibility. His approach serves as a model for future-oriented business leaders seeking to navigate complex market consolidations while maintaining ethical standards and employee welfare.

DATAGROUP's continued growth through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions demonstrates the effectiveness of this methodology. The company's CORBOX product enables it to serve as a full-service provider for medium and large enterprises as well as public authorities, supporting global IT workplaces across multiple industries. As the IT services market continues to evolve, DATAGROUP's acquisition strategy and integration expertise position it well for ongoing leadership in Germany's technology sector.