Retail solutions provider Valk Solutions has announced that it will strengthen its shareholder structure with Genii Software Group. With this move, Valk Solutions aims to accelerate growth in its home market of the Benelux and the DACH region. Genii is part of Bregal Unternehmerkapital, which is held in the portfolio of the Brenninkmeijer family, owners of C&A. Hogenhouck M&A advised Valk Solutions on this transaction, which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.
Empowering retail
As a new partner, Genii takes a majority stake in Valk Solutions and has a long-term strategic horizon. Founder Robert Valk will remain actively involved in the product strategy and customers as a co-shareholder, while Karin Valk will remain in day-to-day management as managing director with the full management team. Valk Solutions will remain an independent company within the Genii group with over 100 IT specialists who will continue to focus on unburdening retail organizations with innovative unified commerce solutions, both in physical stores and online channels. With Valk Solutions' software and services, hundreds of millions of orders and transactions are processed annually, worth over 4 billion euros in sales revenue for customers.
Guaranteeing a successful future
Valk Solutions was founded in 1989 by Robert Valk and in 2009 Karin Valk stepped in as managing director to build the organization. Robert explains the next step for Valk Solultions: "We have found in Genii a strong partner with the entrepreneurial core values of a family business and detailed knowledge of mission-critical software. Genii shares our vision and fully supports our growth strategy. The partnership is therefore a guarantee for a successful future." Managing Director Karin Valk adds, "Our valued customers also benefit from this partnership. The financial strength and the extensive network create additional opportunities to develop powerful products and expand our range of services for customers. Together with the management team, I therefore look forward to continuing to build on 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-owned business where people put their heart and soul into their work and where their customers come first. It was inspiring and motivating to work alongside Robert and Karin throughout this process. The merger with Genii/Bregal is the perfect outcome for them. Together, we managed to bring this transaction to a close in record time. We are convinced that Valk Solutions has a bright future ahead.”
