PIA Group has announced the addition of HLB Belgium as its newest partner, strengthening its footprint in Belgium and expanding its audit and assurance services beyond the Netherlands.
With five offices across Flanders, Brussels, and Wallonia, HLB Belgium brings deep local roots and a strong reputation in the Belgian accountancy and advisory market.
This strategic move also grants all PIA offices access to the global HLB International network, currently ranked 8th worldwide by the International Accounting Bulletin. PIA Group Executive Chairman and founder Steven Brouckaert called the partnership “a perfect example of synergies that mutually reinforce each other – both locally and internationally.”
A new growth pillar: audit and assurance in Belgium
HLB Belgium is a top-tier firm in the Belgian market, with over 90 professionals and a heritage dating back to 1923. The firm will maintain full autonomy in its operations and identity within PIA Group, aligning with PIA’s philosophy of “Don’t fix what isn’t broken” – a key differentiator in the competitive M&A landscape.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for PIA Group, making audit and assurance a formal part of its service offering in Belgium. These services already play a major role in the firm’s Dutch operations. According to Brouckaert, demand for integrated service offerings among entrepreneurs is growing: “The addition of HLB Belgium allows us to meet that need with high-quality audit expertise and an independent perspective.”
Gateway to global support
As a long-time member of HLB International, HLB Belgium connects PIA Group to a global network of over 1,100 offices in 155 countries. This gives PIA clients seamless access to international expertise in audit, tax, and advisory – an important asset as the group continues its cross-border expansion.
Backed by Baltisse for continued growth
This acquisition marks another chapter in PIA Group’s growth story, supported by investment firm Baltisse. “HLB Belgium combines strong local expertise with international connectivity – the very pillars of PIA Group’s growth strategy”, says Benjamin Biesmans, Senior Investment Manager at Baltisse.
About PIA Group
With over 100 offices and 2,400 employees across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, PIA Group reported revenues exceeding 250 million euros in 2024. The firm aims to reach 400 million euros by the end of 2025, positioning itself as the go-to partner for entrepreneurs seeking accountancy, audit, and advisory services – all delivered with a local touch and entrepreneurial mindset.
