BERLIN, Oct 31 (Reuters) - SoftwareOne on

Thursday said it appointed Raphael Erb as CEO from Nov. 1 as the

Swiss company slashed its full-year revenue growth forecast on a

weaker-than-expected third quarter.

The company cut its 2024 revenue growth target to 2-5%

compared to last year, from 7-9% previously, after

underperformance in markets except Asia-Pacific and the

German-speaking region in the quarter resulted in revenue growth

of 3.1%, undershooting its own and market expectations.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and

amortisation (EBITDA) are now seen at 21-23%, from previously

24.5-25.5%, after falling 4% in the third quarter.

SoftwareOne, which helps customers buy and manage

software from other providers such as Microsoft ( MSFT ), SAP and Adobe,

said it has introduced cost-saving measures starting from the

third quarter in view of the current environment.

The firm is targeting savings of over 50 million Swiss

francs ($58 million), including reduction of corporate

overheads.

Erb is "well-suited to lead the company and restore

double-digit growth" due to his many years of experience at

SoftwareOne, said board of directors chairman Daniel von Stockar

about the Swiss national who has been at the firm over 25 years.

The executive board change comes as the Swiss software

services company has attracted renewed takeover interest.

"Discussions regarding a potential going-private

transaction are progressing, but remain challenging given the

general business environment," the company said.

($1 = 0.8655 Swiss francs)