Target Information
In 2014, the investment fund MGF acquired a minority stake in Locatus, a research firm specializing in retail and location data, with the aim of accelerating its growth. Over the years, Locatus has experienced significant development, and now the management team of Locatus is in the process of purchasing all shares from the investment fund MGF. Both parties are satisfied as they reflect on a productive and successful collaboration.
Gerard Zandbergen, CEO of Locatus, remarked, “Living, working, and shopping are increasingly interconnected. Locatus aims to provide organizations with a singular source for all their location-related data needs. With this revised focus, Locatus introduced a new database for all housing projects in the Netherlands in 2022, and a comprehensive office database is set to launch in mid-2023. The participation of MGF has facilitated this expansion into databases. MGF not only provided the financial resources necessary for investment and growth but also served as a knowledgeable and enjoyable partner. I look back on this fruitful collaboration with great satisfaction, and I am pleased to buy them out alongside my fellow management team members, Gertjan Slob and Björn Jansen.”
Industry Overview in the Netherlands
The Netherlands' retail industry is increasingly competitive, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the rise of e-commerce. Retailers are continuously adapting their strategies to meet the changing demands of consumers, which has led to a heightened focus on data analytics to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences. As businesses adapt to these dynamics, the need for reliable data sources has become paramount.
In recent years, the property landscape has also undergone transformations, with more emphasis on sustainability and multifunctional spaces. Real estate developers and investors are seeking comprehensive data that not only reflects current market conditions but also forecasts future trends. This paradigm shift in data-driven decision-making has bolstered the role of firms like Locatus, which provide essential insights into retail and property data.
Furthermore, the integration of location data into business strategies is becoming more prevalent, as organizations strive to enhance their competitive edge. The growth of smart cities and urban planning initiatives has highlighted the need for precise location analytics, which further expands the market opportunities for data providers in this sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, firms that can leverage advanced analytics and provide rich, actionable insights will thrive …