Gorilla Services, a specialist in IT consulting, software consulting, and implementation, is joining forces with Lyvia Group. Through this partnership, Gorilla Services aims to grow further and become even more relevant to its clients and partners. Hogenhouck M&A advised Gorilla Services on this transaction.
Proven approach
Gorilla Services advises on and implements SaaS software solutions for customer and IT services, CRM, workflow automation, AI, and chatbots. Founded in 2013, the company currently employs about 30 professionals and is a five-time FD Gazellen Award winner. Using innovative software—from partners Freshworks and Monday.com—the company delivers the ultimate solution for customer experience and IT service management. Gorilla Services focuses primarily on the Benelux region.
A Versatile Ecosystem for Businesses
Lyvia Group offers a diverse ecosystem of companies in Software & Expert Services and Marketing & Tech. Originally founded in Sweden, the group now comprises more than 50 offices with over 1,500 professionals. The acquisition of Gorilla Services is its second acquisition in the Netherlands.
Well-capitalized shareholder to support growth
Founder Taco van der Pompe: “This is an important new chapter in our history. With Lyvia Group as a financially strong shareholder, we have a solid partner on board for the next phase of growth.” Van der Pompe will remain involved with Gorilla Services as an advisor.
Joachim Beckmann is co-owner and CEO: “We want to continue growing in the coming years with a focus on international opportunities.” Through this partnership, we can benefit from Lyvia’s broad knowledge and experience. We are therefore looking forward to a new phase of growth together with Lyvia and the companies in the ecosystem.”
Buy-and-hold-forever strategy
Through this acquisition, Gorilla Services retains its own identity while benefiting from the knowledge and experience of the Lyvia Group. Lyvia’s philosophy is characterized by the fact that the companies within its ecosystem retain their autonomy and culture while simultaneously benefiting from the knowledge and experience of the larger organization. Lyvia has a long-term strategic focus that it describes as a “buy-and-hold-forever” strategy.
“Gorilla Services aligns well with various segments of Lyvia’s value chain, from productivity to customer experience. We are proud that they have chosen Lyvia as a partner for their continued growth,” said Hossein Araghi, Investment Partner at Lyvia Group.
M&A Opens Up New Opportunities
Joachim Beckmann reflects on this M&A process: “With Hogenhouck M&A as our professional partner, various options emerged that aligned with our strategy—with some surprising twists. Our goal was to find a professional partner who could work with us to take the next step with Gorilla Services. Now that we’ve found our place within Lyvia, we’re in a position to pursue expansion. This allows us to focus on international markets, which presents new challenges for everyone at Gorilla Services.”
Responding quickly to new developments
Hogenhouck M&A advised Gorilla Services through Mark van Beusekom, Maarten van der Heijden, and Adriaan Verbeek. Mark van Beusekom on this transaction: “Taco and Joachim are passionate entrepreneurs who complement each other well with their respective expertise in technology & strategy and sales & partner management. As a result, Gorilla Services has evolved from a reseller of Freshworks & Monday.com into a full-service provider, including for implementation projects and support. The continued international expansion with Lyvia Group is the next step in Gorilla Services’ entrepreneurial journey.”
