ZURICH, Nov 13 (Reuters) - SoftwareOne Holding

sales increased during its third quarter by 1.4%, the company

said on Wednesday, and set a deadline to conclude talks to take

it private.

Group revenues increased to 236.7 million Swiss francs

($268.06 million), while adjusted core operating profit fell

18.3% to 39.2 million francs.

"Our third-quarter results were disappointing," said Raphael

Erb, who became CEO earlier this month, "While certain regions

continued to demonstrate momentum in Q3 2024, our overall

performance did not meet expectations."

SoftwareOne, which helps customers buy and manage software

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

of Europe, north and south America had underperformed due to

problems implementing its new sales strategy, while it was also

facing a more cautious spending environment.

Last month SoftwareOne cut its full-year sales outlook,

sending its shares sharply lower. Its stock has lost nearly 60%

of its value this year.

The Swiss company has been in discussions with potential

buyers including private equity company Apax Partners to take it

private, and has also been exploring a potential merger with

Norwegian competitor Crayon Group Holding ( CRAYF ).

On Wednesday, the company said talks "are progressing, but

remain challenging given the general business environment".

The board aims to present an offer to shareholders or

conclude discussions by February 2025, it said.

($1 = 0.8830 Swiss francs)