PIA Group expands presence in French-speaking market with MLA Accountancy.
PIA Group, Belgium's fastest-growing accountancy and advisory firm, has announced yet another strategic acquisition.
Read also: PIA Group expands with seven new accounting firms
Steven Brouckaert, Executive Chairman of PIA Group, has confirmed that MLA Accountancy, a well-established firm based in Uccle, is joining the group. This marks PIA Group’s third acquisition within the Brussels Ring, further strengthening its services for French-speaking entrepreneurs in the capital and beyond.
Local expertise meets scale efficiency
MLA Accountancy’s decision to join PIA Group is driven by the latter’s unique business model, which blends local expertise with the benefits of scale. “Firms that join PIA Group maintain their identity, name, and specializations”, explains Brouckaert. “Clients choose their accountants based on trust and reputation, and we respect that. Instead of altering these qualities, we enhance them with support in HR, IT, and other operational areas, allowing firms to focus on their clients and drive organic growth.”
The best of both worlds
Marc Lelièvre, founder of MLA Accountancy, highlights that several accountancy groups had approached them in recent years. “Many wanted to absorb us into a larger structure, but we were determined to stay true to our identity. PIA Group offered the best of both worlds - growth and support while preserving our independence. That’s why we said yes.”
A commitment to quality and growth
Founded in the late 1990s by Marc Lelièvre, MLA Accountancy has grown into a respected firm with 18 employees and 500 clients across various industries. Partner Calogera Venti attributes their success to a meticulous approach: “We follow a triple-check system to ensure the highest quality service. Our clients rely on us for crucial financial matters, and we take that responsibility seriously.” This commitment extends to their staff, with many team members starting as juniors and advancing to earn their ITAA titles.
Embracing digitalization with PIA Group’s support
One of the biggest challenges ahead is digital transformation. “The accounting sector is evolving rapidly, with innovations such as Peppol’s mandatory e-invoicing from 2026”, says PIA Group CEO Nathalie Calle. “We have a clear strategy to help our firms and their clients navigate these changes while maintaining a personal touch.”
Continued growth in French-speaking Belgium
MLA Accountancy marks PIA Group’s eighth acquisition in 2025, reinforcing its expansion into Wallonia and Brussels. “The French-speaking market differs from Flanders, but key values like entrepreneurship and personal relationships remain the same”, notes Benjamin Biesmans, Senior Investment Manager at Baltisse, PIA Group’s reference shareholder. “We believe this is just the beginning of our growth in the region.”
