“With D2E as our capital partner, we aim to create a leading automation group”, says CEO Koen De Roeve.
De Roeve, a leading Belgian specialist in industrial automation, is embarking on a new growth phase through a partnership with Down2Earth Capital III (D2E).
The collaboration aims to create a regional automation group spanning Belgium and the Netherlands, integrating strong players in industrial automation, IT, and electrical installations.
Founded in 1991 by Koen De Roeve, the company has built a solid reputation for delivering high-tech projects to Tier-1 clients such as Pfizer, Novartis, TotalEnergies, and ArcelorMittal.
Under the leadership of Koen De Roeve and partners Tom Maddalena and Peter Vangronsveld, De Roeve operates across three complementary business units:
Automation: Developing control systems for machines and processes, including PLC programming and SCADA solutions.
Digitalization: Providing services for data collection, dashboarding, reporting, and integrating systems like MES/MOM.
Electrotechnics: Engineering and installing electrical systems, focusing on process control, utilities, and building management.
In 2023, De Roeve achieved a turnover of nearly 10 million euros.
A shared vision for growth
“With D2E as our capital partner, we aim to create a leading automation group in Belgium and the Netherlands by integrating other strong players in our domain”, says CEO Koen De Roeve. “We also plan to establish a platform for ambitious young entrepreneurs. From our initial discussions, it became clear that De Roeve and D2E share values such as reliability, pragmatism, and a commitment to excellence. Together, we are focused on sustainable growth, innovation, and strengthening our market position for the future.”
Strategic buy-and-build approach
D2E, impressed by De Roeve’s entrepreneurial spirit and strong company culture, sees the partnership as a key step in their buy-and-build strategy. Alain Keppens of D2E: “De Roeve’s high customer satisfaction and strong reputation make it an ideal partner for our strategy. We are excited to support their growth ambitions and to work with the team to achieve outstanding results.”
With this partnership, De Roeve and D2E are set to shape the future of industrial automation in the region, combining innovation and expertise to drive sustainable growth. Sofindev, the majority shareholder, ensures financial stability, while the leadership teams of both companies remain actively involved in steering the partnership forward.
