Acquisitions in East Flanders, Belgium

pgb-Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Waterland Private Equity to accelerate pgb’s international growth and support its ambition to become a European market leader in fastening materials. The family-owned company will continue under the leadership of CEO Frederik Pennoit and the third generation, with plans to expand organically and via strategic acquisitions.

Waterland has acquired a majority share in X²O, an omni-channel retailer of bathroom equipment and furniture in the Benelux. Existing investor Vendis Capital and founder Jan Ollevier will retain significant minority stakes alongside Waterland, which plans to support X²O’s continued international expansion.

AURELIUS Equity Opportunities subsidiary BMC Benelux announced the add-on acquisition of Botha’s builders’ merchant activities, adding Botha’s single site in Aalter to BMC Benelux’s network. The site will be integrated into BMC Benelux and trade under the YouBuild brand, strengthening BMC Benelux’s position in East Flanders and the Ghent region as part of its buy-and-build strategy.

Investment firm Capital A has acquired a majority stake in ESC, a Ghent-based technology company specializing in Microsoft business software, modern workplaces, and e-business. The investment is intended to support ESC’s continued growth, product development, and potential partnerships and acquisitions to meet demand for software and IT specialists in Belgium and nearby countries.