Bechtle

About Bechtle

What if you could combine the personal touch of a local IT consultant with the massive scale of an online hardware and software superstore? That’s the dual-engine model that has propelled Bechtle AG to become one of Europe's leading IT service providers. The company serves a huge range of clients, from small businesses to large corporations and public-sector organizations, handling everything from IT infrastructure and managed services to direct sales of tech products. The story begins in 1983 in Heilbronn, Germany, when former university students Klaus von Jan, Ralf Klenk, and Gerhard Schick decided to start a business. Their initial plan was to create and sell specialized technical software. However, they quickly recognized the explosive growth of the personal computer market and made a crucial pivot to selling hardware. This decision set the stage for their future success, and by 1985, they became a certified IBM distributor, fueling early growth. A defining moment came in 1995 when Bechtle launched one of Germany's first IT e-commerce websites, embracing the internet's potential far ahead of many competitors. This move established its powerful e-commerce arm. The company's growth accelerated with its IPO on March 30, 2000, which provided the capital for significant expansion across Europe. Today, Bechtle stands as a giant in the European IT landscape, with over 100 system houses and a strong e-commerce presence in 14 countries. Listed on Germany's MDAX and TecDAX indices, the company has surpassed major revenue milestones, achieving a business volume of over €7 billion. By successfully merging high-touch local service with the efficiency of online sales, Bechtle has built a durable and scalable business, continually adapting to new technologies like cloud computing and AI.