Zetacom is strengthening its position in the business mobile communications market with the acquisition of Creaforti. As a result, Zetacom’s workforce will grow from 140 to over 180 employees. Both companies operate in the large enterprise and SMB markets, with both Zetacom and Creaforti focusing on the healthcare sector. Zetacom has been owned by investment firm Gilde Healthcare since 2015. Hogenhouck advised Gilde Healthcare on this transaction.
ZOETERMEER/ARNHEM
Zetacom, a nationwide systems integrator based in Zoetermeer, is acquiring Creaforti—a specialist in mobile working and (mobile) telephony—based in Arnhem.
With this acquisition, Zetacom is strengthening its market position in the field of (mobile) telephony and within the small and medium-sized business sector. As a result, the company’s workforce will grow from 140 to over 180 employees.
On Monday, January 15, the management teams of both companies officially signed the acquisition agreement at Creaforti's office in Arnhem.
Zetacom helps customers optimize collaboration, accessibility, and work processes by leveraging its expertise in telephony, healthcare systems, networks, and security.
Mobile telephony is increasingly becoming an integral part of these needs. “Creaforti has extensive in-house knowledge and experience in this area, which we wanted to use to strengthen our capabilities.”
"Integrated services are the future for small and medium-sized businesses and the enterprise market, and this acquisition brings together two powerful players in the market," says Zetacom CEO Dick Dompeling.
“For us, this is a logical step that aligns with our growth ambitions for the coming years. ”Willem van de Kerkhof, one of the three founders and managing director of Creaforti until 2015, adds: “Paul, Koen, and I have worked at Creaforti for 14 years with great pleasure and energy, building it into what it is today. We’ve spoken with various parties about the next step.”
"Zetacom was by far the best fit for us in terms of what makes our customers happy, our vision for the future, and our entrepreneurial spirit. We are confidently handing our customers and employees over to them!"
Suitable personality and portfolio
The DNA and portfolios of both organizations are a good fit. Both organizations have many clients in the healthcare sector, the large-business market, and the SME sector.
In addition, both companies have many in-house specialists. “We complement each other well, but there is also a healthy degree of overlap,” said the CEO.
The sales strength in the SME sector, combined with Creaforti’s very high customer satisfaction (a high Net Promoter Score of +52), is also of interest to Zetacom, says Zetacom CFO Ingrid Bader.
“We definitely want to leverage their knowledge and experience in this area to further develop our services,” says Bader.
The new joint organization also holds the highest partner status with KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile, the three largest mobile phone providers.
Creaforti has won several awards, including KPN Business Partner of the Year in 2014.
A Healthy Step
All 40 employees of Creaforti will be taken on by Zetacom. For the time being, customers of both organizations will notice little impact from the acquisition.
“It can only be beneficial in the long run,” said Dompeling. “Especially because together we can offer an even broader and stronger range of solutions to their challenges.
” For employees, it also means that the organization can offer them more opportunities for professional development.
Zetacom’s CEO and CFO proudly commented on the recent acquisition.
“It’s a valuable and sound move to merge these two great companies in this way, resulting in a more comprehensive portfolio and even better service,” said Dompeling.
