These are the best deals and venture capital rounds in Belgium in 2021.
The expert jury of the Belgian M&A Community awarded the following five deals, crowning a dynamic and intensive year of deals. Congratulations to all entrepreneurs and dealmakers!
Winner Best Large Cap Corporate Deal 2021
While the cameras may have been focused on the acquisition of RTL by DPG Media and Groupe Rossel – understandably gaining much media attention – the deal between the Vanhalst and Thermote families with the D’Ieteren family clinched the award. TVH, a supplier of (parts for) forklifts, excavators, and other light industrial machinery from Wevelgem, is a silent giant and an absolute global player. According to the jury, the placement of 40% of the company with D’Ieteren is both strategically logical and a good cultural fit.
Winner Best Mid Cap Corporate Deal 2021
In the Best Mid Cap Deal category, the jury chose Destiny Group, not for one, but for three simultaneous acquisitions. The B2B cloud software provider acquired Telepo, Soluno BC, and ipvision, establishing a foothold in all Scandinavian markets where these companies operate. Continental expansion is traditionally a crucial criterion for the jury to appreciate the growth of a company in the Mid Cap category.
Winner Best PE Growth Capital Deal 2021
In the Best PE Growth Capital Deal category, it was a photo finish. The purchase of Desotec by Blackstone won by a nose ahead of the deal between Circet and ESAS. The American investor paid a substantial sum for the manufacturer of circular filter systems based on recyclable carbon – gladly paying because the shift toward sustainability has significant implications for the sector. Impressive growth had already been achieved under investor EQT, and it is expected that this trend will continue under American management.
Winner Best Venture Capital Deal – Technology 2021
For those who follow the Venture Capital market, meal delivery services excel at raising capital. The almost-unicorn Deliverect from Ghent provides cloud software for processing online orders at restaurants in forty countries. The boost in home delivery due to the COVID-19 pandemic worked exceptionally well for the serial entrepreneurs behind the company, who have grown tremendously in just 2.5 years. Previous entrepreneurial experience came in handy. The jury also praised the fact that the company is adding significant employment in Belgium with the raised capital.
Winner Best Venture Capital Deal – Life Sciences 2021
AgomAb Therapeutics took home the prize in the Best Venture Capital Deal Life Sciences category. Here, the focus is on growth factors, not the traditional value drivers important in M&A, but special cells in the liver that enable organ repair. AgomAb develops pathways to activate these cells. This important work at the forefront of medical technology attracted €62 million in investments from six funds in Europe and the US. This complex and substantial capital injection stood out in this always exciting field.
Jury M&A Awards 2021
- Urbain Vandeurzen, Chairman of the panel of judges, Co-Founder and Chairman Smile Invest NV
- Renaat Berckmoes, Co-Founder and Partner Fortino Capital
- Pierre Demaerel, Secretary General of the BVA and Chairman of the Belgian Growth Fund
- Philippe Haspeslagh, Chairman of Capricorn Partners and Family Business Network Belgium, Honorary Dean Vlerick Business School, and Honorary Chairman Ardo
- Sophie Manigart, Professor and Faculty Dean Vlerick Business School
- Michael Sephiha, Journalist Mediafin/De Tijd
