Belgian charging infrastructure specialists STROOHM and Pluginvest have announced their merger, creating what they describe as the number one player in the domestic e-mobility market.
The combined company will operate under the STROOHM brand and employ close to 100 people, managing more than 25,000 charging points across Belgium.
The deal represents a rare instance of sector leadership retained by a fully Belgian-owned company, at a time when international energy majors and foreign entrants are increasingly active in the local EV infrastructure market.
Strategic fit and market rationale
STROOHM has built a strong position in fleet charging solutions, providing installation and maintenance at employees’ homes and workplaces with its own team of technicians.
Pluginvest, by contrast, is best known for its foothold in the fast-charging (DC) segment, including projects for fuel retailer DATS 24, as well as ‘Charging as a Service’ subscription models for corporate clients.
By combining forces, the group aims to accelerate innovation in smart charging, renewable integration and energy optimisation, while also delivering greater efficiency and improved customer service. The goal is to become the reference provider for both corporate and private clients across AC and DC charging, fleet software, charging cards and maintenance.
Capital support from Colruyt-backed Virya Energy
The merger has been facilitated by a substantial capital injection from Virya Energy, the renewable energy holding controlled by the Colruyt family. Virya’s involvement is intended to boost the group’s balance sheet and accelerate rollout of next-generation charging solutions.
“Thanks to Virya’s support, we are better positioned to capture growth in one of the fastest-expanding markets”, says Sander Hereijgers, former CEO of Pluginvest, who will join the management team of the combined group.
Bart Massin, CEO of the new STROOHM, adds: “This transaction shows that Belgian know-how and entrepreneurship can compete with global players while achieving market leadership at home.”
Buy-and-build ambition
Alongside integration, the group is preparing for further expansion. Cedric De Jonghe, Pluginvest co-founder, will focus on the post-merger integration process and subsequently help develop a buy-and-build strategy to consolidate the fragmented European charging market.
The combined business generated more than 25 million euros in revenues in the past fiscal year.
