Argona, a collaboration between Belgian energy and construction specialists, has added Deba to the group.
Inspired by the band of adventurers in Greek Mythology, who sailed off in search of the Golden Fleece, Argona was founded in 2025, when six independent companies – Eco Technics, Team Green, EG-elec, ADW, Adidak and Aditoit – joined forces under one flag to help consolidate Belgium’s fragmented sustainable-building market.
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Their combined expertise covers solar panel systems, battery storage, flat roof construction and renovation, as well as industrial electrical installations. With the addition of Deba, the group welcomes another “Argonaut”, specialising in medium- and high-voltage installations based in Landegem (Deinze).
“Deba was no stranger to our group,” shares Argona CEO Wim Eelen. “Over the years, we have collaborated regularly and have experienced time and again how strongly Deba's expertise, professionalism and solutions align with our own offering.”
Founded by Rik Vandoorne in 1979, Deba’s team of 10 experienced and dedicated staff members have collectively installed over 30,000 substations for industrial and infrastructure clients, electrical contractors, government bodies and utility companies in Belgium. This makes them the perfect complement to Argona’s existing portfolio companies, which serve local businesses, government bodies and private individuals during their energy transition.
This network has over 200 employees with more than 40 years of experience and generates €60 million in turnover that Deba can tap into to broaden its operations. Deba will retain its name and its activities will remain anchored in Landegem, bringing Argona closer to its customers in the region.
“As a founder, it is special to see the company where it all began for our family entering a new phase today,” reveals Rik. “I am confident that, from this new environment, Deba will continue to build on what we have achieved together here.”
He adds that, by joining Argona, Deba gains a strong partner that offers new growth opportunities and wants to continue investing in the people, expertise and future of the company.
For the seller, Het Veer – a family holding built by the Vandoorne family in 1984 to bundle its “fleet” –, the divestment is a deliberate strategic exit, allowing the industrial group to reallocate capital to its core manufacturing activities while providing Deba with the financial backing needed for its next growth phase. “This sale is a deliberate strategic choice,” says Het Veer CEO Sophie Vandoorne.
“Deba gains the freedom to grow as an independent installer, while we continue to invest in our own industrial activities.”
Moreover, Deba will also have the support of Waterland Private Equity as a shareholder and strategic growth partner in Argona’s expansion.
