IXO FACTO joins Smids & Schakel Accountants en Adviseurs and WSB as part of PIA Group acquisition spree.
These acquisitions strengthen PIA’s presence across three key European markets – Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium – while giving the local accountancy sector a group of allies to rely on during this period of “significant change”, driven by digitalisation, artificial intelligence, increasing regulation and the need for specialised expertise.
“What we see in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany is that local firms largely share the same needs,” says Tom Verhaegen, Group CEO of PIA Group. “They want to preserve their identity and client relationships while also being able to invest in technology, expertise and new forms of service. That is exactly the combination PIA Group offers.”
The group supports its firms through that transition with specialised teams and pooled expertise in areas such as IT, digitalisation and HR. This gives local firms access to technology and knowledge that would be difficult to build independently, while allowing them to retain their own identity and way of working. “Our role is not to force local firms into a uniform model,” says PIA Group executive chairman, Steven Brouckaert. “We want to make them stronger behind the scenes, so they can deliver even more value to their clients.”
Read more: Steven explains PIA’s “don't fix what's not broken” strategy
This is inspired by the support the group receives from Baltisse, the family office of Balcaen entrepreneurs that continues to invest in PIA’s international growth plans with a long-term perspective.
“The strength of a local accountancy firm lies in its knowledge of its clients, the personal relationship and the entrepreneurial spirit within the team,” states PIA Group Benelux CEO, Nathalie Callie.
Ipso facto…
IXO FACTO’s history dates back to 1991, when Jean-François Lepeut established his accountancy firm, but it was officially formed in 2021 through the merger of two accountancy firms. Today, Jean-François’s son (Corentin Lepeut) leads the new Walloon Brabant and Brussels entity, together with Salvatore Stancampiano, Florence Mullaert and Arnaud Ninane – all of whom will become PIA Group shareholders.
“We have grown strongly in recent years,” reminisces Corentin – IXO FACTO’s CEO and partner. “PIA Group gives us access to additional expertise in artificial intelligence, automation and software choices. This allows us to remain focused on our clients and on the continued development of our services.”
Salvatore notes that the acquisition also creates new opportunities for clients. “Through PIA Advisory, we can bring in the right specialist more quickly for complex client questions, including in legal, VAT, corporate finance, wealth planning, digital transformation and CFO-as-a-service.”
Not to mention, for employees, too. “Within PIA Group, our people gain access to more training, knowledge sharing and expertise,” says Florence Mullaert, CHO and partner at IXO FACTO.
PIA Group x WSB Gruppe_Foto
With the simultaneous acquisitions of WSB in Germany and Smids & Schakel Accountants en Adviseurs in the Netherlands, PIA Group adds 70 years of experience and 150 employees, as well as a 75-year history with 33 people, respectively.
Together, the three acquisitions bring PIA Group to 150 branches and 3,900 staff across four European countries.
