While owner-manager Hans Gitsels was looking for a strategic buyer for his company Louis Reyners (established in 1892), that very company was high up the acquisition target list of Roodenberg Staalkabels (established in 1917). No coincidence, sinall the ce both businesses are active in adjoining markets and a merger between the two made perfect sense. Although the company’s management is transferred to Roodenberg, Hans Gitsels will remain involved after the transfer period.

Hans Gitsels’ approaching retirement age was one of the reasons he contacted Marktlink, tells dealmaker Laurence Hamilton, who advised the sell-side process with Lukas Nijhuis and legal colleague Christine Huisman. “Hans wanted to enter the process well-prepared, so that first meeting is some time ago now. Because of his intention to fully step back in the short term, a strategic sale seemed feasible. We met with several interested parties from the Netherlands and abroad and received multiple offers. The story of Roodenberg, the strategic fit and cultural match simply reflected Hans’ wishes the best. Most of all, he wanted to safeguard continuity for Louis Reyners’ employees, customers and brands.”

Added value

The long-term cooperation with TransEquity Network instantly offered Roodenberg great opportunities to accelerate its growth after the acquisition. “Both companies specialise in hoisting and lifting equipment, but they both have their own products and position in the market,” Lukas Nijhuis explains. “What sets Louis Reyners apart, is that it is a wholesaler with added value for strong international third-party brands and it has its own range of brands as well. It has a solid reputation in the manufacturing and entertainment sectors in particular.

Louis Reyners’ proven track record and its recovery after the difficult Covid period that primarily hit the entertainment sector hard, signalled the right moment to start the sale process. “The timing was perfect, not least because Roodenberg and TransEquity Network had only recently joined forces,” Laurence Hamilton knows. With the acquisition of Louis Reyners, the company has brought in a growing and reliable partner. On behalf of Roodenberg, Danny Hol will take over the management role, but other than that, Louis Reyners will continue under the same name and the same identity as before.”

Solid transfer

For Hans Gitsels, this marks the end of over 20 years ownership of Louis Reyners, although he will remain involved. “But first, I’m taking a holiday, and I will definitely pop a cork to celebrate. Looking back, it was a very intensive period, even though I came well-prepared. You can talk to entrepreneur friends and follow a masterclass (like I did), but it still is an emotional rollercoaster. You only sell your business once and so it’s always a first. A tough job, considering you need to keep your business up and running all the while. I’m more than happy about Marktlink’s support, the deal team far exceeded my expectations.”