Agilitas, formerly t-groep, today announces that Proman, a 100% family-owned company and France’s leading independent HR and temporary employment agency, is coming on board as a shareholder. When the deal comes into force, Agilitas and Proman together will become the sixth largest European HR and temporary employment agency with a combined turnover of EUR 2.8 billion in 2019. Gilde Buy Out Partners, the Belgian-Dutch private equity house that bought Agilitas from the Flemish government in September 2016, will remain a significant minority shareholder, as will the management of Agilitas.
Founded in 1980, Agilitas is an HR service provider which includes the brands Agilitas, Amplo and Ascento in Belgium, and Luba and E&A in the Netherlands. The group has around 150 temporary employment branches in total, of which 81 are in Belgium, 61 in the Netherlands, 10 in Poland and 1 in Croatia. Its activities have developed significantly since it was bought by Gilde Buy Out Partners three years ago and its turnover now exceeds half a billion euros. The group employs over 800 people.
This partnership will enable both companies to expand their international activities more quickly.
The partnership will have no impact on day-to-day operations or employment at the two companies.
Tom Verhaegen will remain CEO of the Agilitas Group. Roland Gomez, CEO of Proman says:
“Agilitas will enable Proman to significantly expand its activities in Belgium and acquire a position in the Netherlands, Poland and Croatia, where the Group did not previously have a presence. This partnership is pivotal for Proman and will propel us to 6th largest European HR player. We are delighted to have found in Agilitas Group a partner that shares our values and our culture. We are excited to start working with the teams to continue the excellent growth we have already achieved in recent years.”
Tom Verhaegen, CEO of Agilitas Group says:
“We are very excited about our new co-operation with Proman. Their years of experience and impressive growth path offer us precious learning opportunities and extra inspiration to accelerate our improvement every day. But what really makes this partnership fly is the harmony we feel in terms of culture. After all, both Proman and Agilitas cherish values such as entrepreneurship, team spirit, passion and quality. And it is in those areas that, together, we want to make even more of a difference for our clients.”
Nicolas Linkens, Managing Director of Gilde Buy Out Partners says:
“Over the last three years, we have helped Agilitas Group to become more professional and sales-driven and supported the digitisation of the organisation. We believe very strongly in the partnership with Proman so we are happy that we will be able to stay on board and continue to support the potential of Agilitas Group.”
The deal is subject to approval by the European competition authorities, which is expected to be granted at the end of February.
The advisers to Gilde for this deal are EY (M&A adviser), Allen & Overy (legal adviser) and EY (financial and tax due diligence); the advisers to Proman are Linklaters (legal adviser) and 8Advisory (financial due diligence).
About Agilitas Group
With 800 employees, Agilitas Group guarantees agile and high-quality HR services with a personal approach. Agilitas Group, headquartered in Mechelen, is active in Belgium with the Agilitas, Amplo and Ascento brands. Agilitas is an HR service provider that ensures the matching of companies and the right candidates. Amplo is the HR partner for the creative and artistic sector. Ascento is the expert in talent mobility and outplacement.
In the Netherlands, Luba, E&A and SWA are part of the Agilitas Group. Thanks to its local presence with 150 branches in Belgium, the Netherlands and Poland, Agilitas Group is always close to both customers and candidates. Agilitas’ distinctive approach is manifested in its 4 strategic elements that are central to its approach to every client and candidate: local, expert, digital and sustainable.
More information about Agilitas Group can be found on its website www.agilitasgroup.be
About Proman
Proman, a family-owned business that was founded in 1990 in Manosque, is one of the leading independents in the HR market for temporary employment and short and long fixed-term contracts. With over 500 branches, 380 of which are in France, and 50,000 temporary staff on its books, Proman is the partner of choice for over 20,000 companies in industry, construction, the pharmaceutical industry, the automotive industry and the hotel trade. Proman is a family-owned business with a human dimension and owes its growth to its values, people, local presence and responsiveness.
More information about Proman can be found on its website www.proman-emploi.fr
About Gilde Buy Out Partners
Gilde Buy Out Partners is a leading European private equity house with offices in Brussels, Utrecht, Zurich and Frankfurt. With €1.1 billion of assets under management, Gilde Buy-Out Fund V, the latest fund, is one of the largest mid-market buy-out investment funds in Europe.
Gilde has majority holdings in Esdec, ZND, Albelli, Oystershell Laboratories, Caseking, Amor, Royal Reesink, Comcave, Riri, Koninklijke Ten Cate, Enkco, Eismann, Teleplan and Powerlines.
More information about Gilde can be found on its website www.gilde.com