Belgian managed ICT provider VanRoey has acquired The Collective, a Microsoft-focused cybersecurity specialist based in Zele. The transaction strengthens VanRoey’s security portfolio and gives the company its first permanent foothold in East Flanders.
The Collective employs more than 30 specialists and is a Microsoft Solutions Partner with deep expertise in managed security services, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), endpoint management, identity, cloud and Azure-based security. Its services are supported by a Belgian Security Operations Center (SOC).
With the acquisition, VanRoey expands its capabilities in IT/OT security, SOC services and Microsoft Azure solutions, while broadening its reach beyond SMEs to better serve enterprise customers. Customers of both companies are expected to benefit from deeper cybersecurity expertise and a wider range of managed ICT and infrastructure services.
The move follows VanRoey’s recent expansion into West Flanders through the acquisition of Sonical. VanRoey is backed by Fortino Capital as reference shareholder, while Ghent-based M&A advisory firm VDP advised The Collective on the transaction.
VanRoey launched its own SOC in October 2025 to address growing demand from businesses and public organisations for continuous monitoring and protection of IT environments. According to CEO Joachim Lauwers, the acquisition reinforces VanRoey’s ambition to become a leading Belgian reference in managed ICT services, combining implementation with long-term responsibility for security and support.
Michael Van Horenbeeck, CEO of The Collective, said the partnership allows the company to maintain its core cybersecurity expertise while scaling further within a larger organisation, at a time when cyber threats are increasing in complexity due to technologies such as AI.
