Arxior and Vectis join forces in the acquisition of workwear specialist Van Moer

Antwerp/Aalter/Hulshout, November 5, 2024 – Arxior Partners and Vectis Private Equity are pleased to announce that they have acquired Van Moer from the Dutch Wagram Equity Partners. Arxior and Vectis jointly acquire a majority stake in Van Moer, with the current CEO, Kenny Van Riel, retaining a minority stake. The financial details of the transaction are not disclosed.

Van Moer is globally active in the production and distribution of certified, high-tech, and customer-specific workwear. The Belgian company has existed for over a hundred years and has been able to grow significantly in recent years in the cleantech, healthcare, and military sectors thanks to advanced technological developments. Approximately one hundred employees work in R&D, sales, and distribution at the headquarters in Hulshout and the location in the Netherlands. Manufacturing has been primarily carried out in Tunisia and Slovakia for the past thirty years.

With a strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company is also committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment. Over the past years, various initiatives have been implemented to make production processes more sustainable. In addition to using recycled materials and efficient production methods, improving the circular economy within the sector is one of the company’s main focuses.

Arxior and Vectis aim to support Van Moer in further growth and innovation. They plan strategic investments in new technologies and expansion into new markets. By working together, they will enhance operational efficiency and create new opportunities for both employees and customers. In this context, a buy-and-build program will be initiated.

CEO Kenny Van Riel emphasizes, “Together with Arxior and Vectis, we look forward to taking Van Moer to new heights. I would like to thank Wagram for their pleasant cooperation over the past years.”

Hein Wilderjans, Partner at Arxior, says, “We were impressed by the achievements and expertise of Kenny and the upcoming technological developments that will give the company a competitive edge in the market. Our combined expertise will help Van Moer to further expand its market leadership.”

Alain Grillaert, Partner at Vectis, adds, “We have strong confidence in the future of Van Moer and are determined to build and significantly strengthen this company. We look forward to collaborating again with the Arxior team after a previous successful investment in Amadys.”

Sellers were advised by VDP (M&A), LDS (VDD), and Debreij (legal). Buyers were advised by Finvision (financial and tax due diligence) and Argo (legal).

About Arxior Partners
Arxior consists of four investor-entrepreneurs: Hein Wilderjans, Marc Van Opstal, Benoît Willems, and Philippe Wilderjans. Together, they have built the system integrator Amadys into a global player. With Arxior, they aim to utilize their experience to support companies in their buy-and-build trajectories, organic growth, and the professionalization of the organization. They invest, support management operationally, and guide transformation processes.

About Vectis Private Equity
Vectis Private Equity, with EUR 125 million under management, is an independent private equity fund that focuses on investments in ambitious Belgian SMEs. Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, Vectis has invested in more than 30 Belgian companies and completed dozens of add-on acquisitions. This makes Vectis one of the most active private equity investors in this segment of the Belgian market.

Closing Van Moer: vlnr Philippe Wilderjans (Arxior), Kenny Van Riel (Van Moer), Walter Beyen (Vectis), Hein Wilderjans (Arxior), Benoit Willems (Arxior)Closing Van Moer: From left to right Philippe Wilderjans (Arxior), Kenny Van Riel (Van Moer), Walter Beyen (Vectis), Hein Wilderjans (Arxior), Benoit Willems (Arxior)

 

Press release acquisition Van Moer – EN

Press release acquisition Van Moer – NL

Press release acquisition Van Moer – FR