Retail solutions provider Valk Solutions has announced that it will strengthen its shareholder structure with Genii Software Group. Valk Solutions aims to accelerate growth in the Benelux home market and the DACH region through this partnership. Genii is part of Bregal Unternehmerkapital in the portfolio of the Brenninkmeijer family, owners of C&A. Hogenhouck m&a advised Valk Solutions in this transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.
Empowering retail
As the new partner, Genii will take a majority stake in Valk Solutions and has a strategic long-term horizon. Founder Robert Valk will remain actively involved in product strategy and customer relations as a co-shareholder, while Karin Valk will continue as CEO with the entire management team. Valk Solutions will remain an independent company within the Genii group, with more than 100 IT specialists focused on providing innovative unified commerce solutions to retail organizations both in physical stores and online channels. With Valk Solutions’ software and services, hundreds of millions of orders and transactions are processed each year worth more than 4 billion euros in sales revenue for customers.
Guarantee for a successful future
Valk Solutions was founded in 1989 by Robert Valk, and Karin Valk joined as CEO in 2009 to build the organization. Robert explains the next step for Valk Solutions: “We have found a strong partner in Genii with the entrepreneurial core values of a family business and detailed knowledge of business-critical software. Genii shares our vision and fully supports our growth strategy. The partnership is therefore a guarantee for a successful future.” CEO Karin Valk adds: “Our valued customers also benefit from this partnership. Thanks to the financial strength and extensive network, additional opportunities arise to develop powerful products and expand our range of services for customers. Together with the management team, I look forward to building the future with Genii and Bregal.”
Family business with family values
The Hogenhouck team consisted of Mark van Beusekom, Cedric Baerts, Thijs Piso, and Adriaan Verbeek. Mark van Beusekom on the process with Valk Solutions: “Valk is a family business where people work with heart and soul, and where their customers come first. It was inspiring and motivating to work with Robert and Karin in this process. The combination with Genii/Bregal is the perfect outcome for them. Together, we have delivered the performance of bringing this assignment to closing in record time. We are convinced that Valk Solutions has a bright future ahead.”
