Bechtle confident in early signs of second half pick up following Q1 revenue dip

EBT plummeted more than 30 per cent in Q1 while international revenues showed growth

Despite a revenue dip in Bechtle’s first quarter 2025 results, Germany’s largest reseller remains confident in the momentum already showing in Q2.

Group revenues fell slightly by 2.8 per cent to €1.5bn for the first three months of 2025, ending March 31.

EBT meanwhile took a 32.5 per cent tumble to bring in €55.3 m, significantly lower than the previous year’s figure of €82m.

In Germany, revenues fell 5.8 per cent to €820m owing to the reluctance of SME and public customers to invest.

Internationally, Bechtle saw slightly better development supported by acquisitions

with an increase in revenue of 1.3 per cent to €640m.

In October, its UK arm acquired Qolcom Limited and DriveWorks.

In Italy, Bechtle snapped up Magnetic Media Network in July.

The reseller highlighted the UK, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands in particular as areas that recorded significant growth.

However, revenue development showed a slight uptick in March, a trend that has continued into the next quarter—albeit from a relatively low base.

Internationally, Bechtle also saw a noticeable rise in demand for traditional desktop computing.

“We were aware the first half of 2025 would be challenging, but the developments in March and April give us confidence that we can regain momentum in the second half of the year,” said Dr Thomas Olemotz, CEO of Bechtle.

By the end of Q1, Bechtle’s headcount came to 15,729 people across 14 European countries, a 3.2 per cent rise, or increase of 484 employees compared to the same period last year primarily as a result of acquisitions.

Organically, the workforce grew by 114 new colleagues, representing an increase of 0.7 per cent.

Bechtle said it continues to pursue a cautious hiring strategy aimed at safeguarding existing jobs in light of the still-tense economic environment.

Forecast

Bechtle highlighted the uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy and its potential impact on global trade flows that has further nurtured the reluctance to invest across Europe.

That said, the German IT services provider still expects positive momentum later in the year, particularly in its home turf.

“With a new government successfully formed, our public-sector customers now have greater planning certainty, creating a more favourable environment for investment,” it said.

Confirming its forecast, Bechtle stated revenue growth may not keep pace due to the continued positive development of its software business.

“The 2025 fiscal year still offers plenty of opportunities for positive development. With an improving economic outlook and growing momentum in the public sector, Bechtle is well positioned to return to more profitable growth,” added Olemotz.