Goodzo, a fast-growing IT consulting firm, has been acquired by the Belgian ESC Group, a provider of digital solutions and consulting services. Goodzo (founded in 2013) is known for its unique people-centered approach to IT consulting and will continue to operate under its own name. Hogenhouck M&A advised Goodzo on this transaction.
This acquisition enables Goodzo to provide even better support to its customers by leveraging the ESC Group’s scale and broad expertise. It also opens up new opportunities for international expansion and further innovation within the IT sector. With the acquisition of Goodzo, the ESC Group strengthens its position in the Netherlands and further expands its service portfolio. Following the acquisition, the ESC Group now has more than 670 technology specialists and consolidated revenue of 125 million euros. Goodzo’s innovative and people-centered approach aligns seamlessly with the ESC Group’s vision of making organizations future-proof by connecting people, data, and technology.
Working Together Toward a Broader Vision for the Future
Goodzo has built a strong reputation with its IT Growth Program, which trains people with little to no IT experience to become highly qualified consultants. The program develops both technical and management skills, with a particular focus on the human side of IT. Goodzo’s consultants serve as a bridge between users and specialists, first understanding the needs of people within organizations in order to improve processes and excel in complex IT environments.
“Our partnership with the ESC Group enables us to provide even better support to our clients and further expand our services. In addition, knowledge sharing within the group allows us to enhance our expertise in Mendix development and low-code solutions,” says Bart Janssen, Manager of Change & Operations at Goodzo.
“Through our strategic partnership with the ESC Group, we have found a suitable partner for Goodzo to help us further shape our mission and vision, and we are now able to offer an even broader outlook for the future to our colleagues and future employees,” says Anna Noorda, General Manager at Goodzo.
The ESC Group's Growth Strategy
Through the acquisition of Goodzo, the ESC Group is strengthening its offerings in the areas of application management, MSP, support, and Mendix development. This move aligns with the ESC Group’s growth strategy and responds to the growing demand for smart software and IT specialists. The combination of both companies’ expertise creates new opportunities for national and international clients and offers powerful synergy that helps organizations achieve their goals and embrace digital innovations.
The ESC Group offers smart business applications, modern workplace technology, and e-business solutions to companies. Through strategic consulting and expert-level implementation, the ESC Group helps organizations unlock their full business potential. The group consists of various companies, including ESC bv, Net IT, and Advisie, and is a respected partner of both Microsoft and Exact.
Capital A, an investment firm operating in Belgium and the Netherlands, previously acquired a majority stake in ESC. Bolstered by this additional capital and business expertise, the ESC Group aims to continue meeting the relentless demand for smart software and IT specialists.
“Goodzo’s unique approach aligns seamlessly with our mission to connect people, data, and technology,” says Jan Hofman, CEO of ESC Group. “Goodzo’s commitment to talent development and the human side of IT consulting perfectly complements our vision of making organizations future-proof.”
The M&A Process
Hogenhouck M&A advised Goodzo through Mark van Beusekom, Cedric Baerts, and Bas Schellekens. Mark van Beusekom, Managing Partner, on advising Goodzo: “Hogenhouck M&A was tasked with finding a partner that offers growth opportunities for Goodzo’s professionals. We succeeded in doing so with ESC Group. While Goodzo trains and develops its people into IT consultants, ESC offers them the opportunity to grow further and take the next step in their careers. In addition to focusing on the business interests of the shareholders, we structured the transaction process to allow sufficient time to confirm that the cultures of both companies were a good fit and that expectations could be met.”
