METRO acquires Eijsink, a leading cloud-based pos provider, and strengthens its portfolio of digital solutions for customers

METRO AG is further expanding its range of digital solutions for the hospitality industry. With the acquisition of Eijsink, a recognized provider of POS systems for the hospitality industry, the group is taking another strategic step towards becoming a multichannel solution provider. A seamlessly integrated POS is at the heart of hospitality operations and hence a key component. It also enables the connection of the POS to METRO’s ordering system and delivery services – the core of METRO’s business. Founded more than 3 decades ago and headquartered in the Netherlands, Eijsink offers with its flagship product booq a cloud-based, device-independent POS system. The company currently has approx. 8,000 customers and 200 employees and is EBITDA and cash-flow positive. In recent years, Eijsink has successfully introduced booq to the Benelux market. By partnering with METRO’s Tech unit HD, specialised in the digitalisation of the hospitality industry, booq can be easily connected to the existing DISH solutions, such as DISH Order. It will now be rolled out to around 2 European countries p.a., leveraging METRO’s access to 1.6 million hospitality customers.

“As part of its sCore strategy and its multichannel business model, METRO drives the digitalisation of its customers‘ core processes. The acquisition of Eijsink pays off on this strategy. With booq, we can offer our customers a comprehensive suite of digital tools. METRO, with its broad country presence, access to the hospitality industry and 6,750 sales representatives, is a strong partner for Eijsink to accelerate the interna-  tional roll-out of booq. METRO will benefit from the planned integration of its core processes such as delivery and replenishment into booq”, explains Dr Steffen Greubel, CEO of METRO AG.

The POS system booq is device-independent and will enable the connection of numerous digital tools developed and offered by METRO’s hospitality tech unit HD. These solutions include, for example, table reservation and online ordering systems for pick-up and delivery services, but also other applications such as electronic payment processes, replenishment, and employee management. With the acquisition, HD expands its product portfolio and creates a comprehensive digital solution offering right through to the payment process. For customers, this means enhanced added value through further digitalisation of their processes and broad data insights. Dr Volker Glaeser, CEO of Hospitality Digital: “Our hospitality customers demand cloud-based point of sale solutions, integrating services such as reservation or pickup and delivery. Combining the strengths of booq and DISH, we will be able to offer a highly attractive proposition. I look forward to working as one great team with high ambitions with our new partner.”

Ferenc Birkenhäger, Managing Director of Eijsink: “With around 200 employees at 6 locations and an expected annual turnover of more than €25 million in 2022, Eijsink has grown into a well-known player for POS systems in the Benelux market since its foundation in 1984. We are excited to partner with METRO and Hospitality Digital. It gives us new opportunities to expand our business and to further innovate the European HoReCa sector."

Eijsink will continue to be active in the Dutch market. METRO has given a strong commitment to the employees of Eijsink as well as its current locations. The current owners of Eijsink will continue to support the rollout of booq and its integration in HD’s digital tools in leading management functions. Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Hospitality Digital (HD) was established in 2015 as a wholly owned subsidiary of METRO AG to develop digital solutions that contribute to the success of HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, and caterers). The easy-to-use tools are designed for the demanding day-to-day of gastronomy business owners to save time  and money. Under the DISH brand, HD provides competitive solutions for some of the most pressing challenges of the industry: online food ordering without any additional commission fee, ability to take reservations 24/7, menu profitability calculation, online presence management in internet and across 20+ social media networks among others. More than 200.000 restaurateurs across 16 countries already use digital solutions of Hospitality Digital to improve their business performance. www.hd.digital

Eijsink is market leader in the Netherlands with digitalisation solutions for the hospitality and leisure industry. With 200 employees at 6 locations, and an expected annual turnover of more than €25 million in 2022, Eijsink has grown into a well-known player in the Benelux market since its foundation in 1984. Market knowledge, personal attention and meaningful solutions have distinguished Eijsink for over 35 years. The market knowledge, combined with the personal approach and 24/7 service is unique in the Dutch market plus the trusted and successful concept of Eijsink for years. Under the booq brand, Eijsink helps entrepreneurs run their businesses more successfully. booq is the omnichannel software platform that helps entrepreneurs to organize processes more efficiently to achieve greater returns. The platform optimizes processes around the stay of guests in hospitality establishments, while the guest-experience remains as high as possible. As part of the platform, entrepreneurs can purchase various booq Bricks to operate successfully, from POS systems to staff planning and from QR ordering to digital kitchen screens. Based on device agnostic, ultimate flexibility, competitive pricing, and cloud-based technology, booq gained already a leading position in the Benelux market. www.eijsink.nl