Cloud and managed IT providerHosted.nlhas been acquired byProtagonist, a division ofTechonethat finances and supports Dutch ICT companies. Hogenhouck M&A advised the owners, Robert Bolder and Erik Jan Visscher, on this sale. Over the course of fourteen years, the entrepreneurs built the company into a business offering a portfolio of VPS services, online workspaces, and premium website hosting for the Dutch market.
A dot on the horizon
The relationship between the two entrepreneurs and Hogenhouck dates back to 2016. During their introductory meeting at the Hosted office in Zevenaar, they discussed their long-term vision. In those conversations, they mentioned their “rising star,” VPS Server, and their ambition to help Hosted.nl make a smooth transition to another organization.
The accelerating consolidation in the hosting market played a role, but even more important was the priority both entrepreneurs placed on accelerating growth with VPS Server. After initial contact in 2016, annual follow-up meetings took place. At the end of 2019, the decision was made to jointly explore the market, resulting in this sale.
Growth in International Operations
Entrepreneurs Robert Bolder and Erik Jan Visscher are using the proceeds from the sale to further expand the international operations of their other company,VPS Server.com. Both men look back on the process with satisfaction and certainly aren’t feeling lost. “Our ambition to accelerate the growth of VPS Server.com keeps us more than busy, and we’re pleased that Hosted is a good fit with Techone,” said Erik Jan Visscher and Robert Bolder.
Hein Stoops on this transaction: “The owners of hosted.nl are making clear choices for the future while ensuring the continuity of what they have built.”
