Managed Service Provider HTX Automatisering has been acquired by the Fortezza Group. Based in Leek, Groningen, the company—with a staff of more than 25 professionals—focuses on providing services to small and medium-sized businesses in the northern Netherlands, various municipalities and government organizations, and larger national and international companies throughout the Netherlands.
The Groningen Approach
HTX is known for its down-to-earth, personal, and “Groningen-style” approach. The company is a full-service managed service provider for partners such as Microsoft (Gold Partner), HPE, Citrix, VMware, Veeam, and Fortinet.
HTX Automatisering was founded in 1993 by Fokke Wobbes, and under his leadership, the company expanded into services and staffing. Co-owners John Barelds and Manuel Schuurman joined the company as shareholders in 2019. In 2022, the secondment division was spun off under the new name OFIFTY, led by John Barelds, and the day-to-day management of HTX was taken over by Manuel Schuurman.
ICT service provider Fortezza has been in business for 15 years and focuses on the digital transformation of its clients. With the acquisition of HTX, Fortezza is expanding its client base and local presence in the northern Netherlands. HTX will retain its own unique identity as a leading IT partner in the northern Netherlands.
Expanding the customer base in the Northern Netherlands
With the acquisition of HTX, the Fortezza Group has grown to a total of ninety employees. Fortezza founder, owner, and CEO Mark van der Snel commented on the acquisition: “We will use the coming months to work with HTX’s employees to establish the annual plan for 2024 and our ambitions for the future. The personal development of our employees and the recruitment of new colleagues are among the top priorities for our growth plans.”
The transaction provides HTX with additional opportunities within a broader context, in which it can play a crucial role in the continued growth of the Fortezza Group in the northern Netherlands. In addition, this gives the departing shareholders the opportunity to focus entirely on OFIFTY.
DNA fits well
Hogenhouck M&A advised the owners of HTX on this transaction. The team consisted of Daan Zonneveld, Robin Korver, and Rik Stikkelbroeck. Daan Zonneveld on the acquisition: “With HTX, Fortezza is acquiring a strong brand in the North. The DNA of Fortezza and HTX align well, and the companies clearly reinforce each other. We are also pleased to offer the departing shareholders the opportunity to focus entirely on OFIFTY.”
