Gate Invest and AB&C Groep Overview

Gate Invest, the investment fund of the Vermaat family, has sold its majority stake in AB&C Groep B.V. to EPSA. AB&C Groep comprises multiple companies, each operating independently with their own expertise to provide comprehensive business services across various domains, including procurement, operations, and finance & technology. With EPSA as the new shareholder, AB&C Groep gains a strong strategic partner to support its international growth ambitions.

AB&C Groep's Development

In 2018, Gate Invest formed a partnership with Aeves Groep to implement a buy-and-build strategy, which included the acquisition of five companies, consequently establishing AB&C Groep. Over five years, the company evolved into a robust platform for international growth, showcasing a strong track record in both organic growth and the integration of acquired firms. In this time, the company's size sextupled, reaching revenues exceeding €150 million and serving a broad portfolio of over 700 clients across the public, semi-public, and private sectors, positioning AB&C Groep for its next growth phase.

Rationale Behind the Deal

According to Paul Vermaat, founder and investor at Gate Invest, the collaboration with the entrepreneurs at Aeves Groep was ambitious from the outset, aimed at accelerating growth through a proactive investment approach. This partnership has successfully led to several acquisitions that expanded and strengthened the service portfolio of AB&C Groep. The current executive team embodies the ambition and drive that have propelled the Group to its present state, and the engagement with EPSA aligns with AB&C Groep's long-term strategic goals.

Investor Profile: EPSA

EPSA is an internationally operating consultancy firm with activities in 35 countries, serving over 4,500 clients with both overlapping and complementary services. The EPSA Group specializes in optimizing corporate performance, making it a strategic partner for organizations looking to enhance their operational efficiency and profitability. With more than 1,500 employees globally and unique integrated digital solutions, EPSA stands as the only player offering worldwide support across seven key complementary expertise areas, including transformation & digital, procurement, marketplace, innovation, energy & environment, tax, and finance.

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This transaction appears to be an astute investment for EPSA, providing them with access to AB&C Groep's extensive client network and diverse service offerings. The strategic fit between EPSA and AB&C Groep involves a shared vision of enhancing business performance, evidenced by their complementary areas of expertise. Moreover, the management team, remaining in place post-transaction, adds stability and continuity, further strengthening EPSA's position in the market.

The long-term growth strategy outlined by the leadership of AB&C Groep, together with EPSA's global reach and resources, creates a solid foundation for realizing ambitious growth targets. Given the market position of AB&C Groep in procurement and contract management, along with its capabilities in transformation consulting and talent development, it is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the business services sector.

Overall, this acquisition aligns with contemporary trends emphasizing integration and cross-border collaboration in consultancy. By leveraging EPSA’s existing platforms and the unique offerings from AB&C Groep, both parties have the potential to accelerate their growth trajectories in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

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