Key Events
MAR
Cobepa Closes Acquisition of SmartSD
SmartSD, based in Breda, the Netherlands, is a leading B2B distributor of security solutions. The transaction was done in close partnership with SmartSD’s existing management team and Smile Invest, which remains a minority shareholder.
APR
Renewal Shareholder Agreement
Cobepa reached a historic milestone, as the original shareholder agreement which was signed for a period of 20 years, came to an end. In April 2004, a group of family investors, united by a desire to diversify their assets through private equity while maintaining greater proximity to portfolio companies than traditional blind pool funds decided to acquire Cobepa from BNP Paribas. This shareholder agreement, initially set for 20 years, concluded in April 2024. Following two decades of remarkable success, the agreement has been renewed for a new period of 20 years, ensuring the continuation of this strong legacy.
Expansion Cobepa US offices
Our New York office underwent large transformations expanding the workspace to a total of 760m². The expansion introduces a suit of new facilities to elevate the workspace including a formal boardroom, 2 additional meetings rooms, 5 new workstations, a larger kitchen with additional seating and pantry, a collaboration area and phone booth.
MAY
AI’SLAND CEO Summit
We organised a CEO Summit where leaders and executive teams from our portfolio could learn and exchange insights about Artificial Intelligence. Through thought-provoking keynotes and workshops, the "AI'SLAND" retreat explored AI's potential, from its foundational principles to strategies for seamless integration.
JUL
Cobepa Closes Acquisition of Easyfairs
Easyfairs is a Brussels-based B2B and B2C event and trade fair organiser. Cobepa acquired a co-control stake in partnership with Inflexion and Founder, Eric Everard.
Read the interview with Eric Everard on page 42.
Pedalling for a Cause
Our team cycled over 100km in a day retracing the 8th stage of the Official Tour de France, raising funds for La Flèche, a Belgian charity aiding children in need.
MAY - NOV
6 New Colleagues Join the team, Two are Former Interns
Justin Cook (Director, USA), Jean-Sébastien de Lhoneux (Principal, EU), Theo Swennen (Associate, EU) and Jean Zacharis (Associate, EU) joined our investment team. The latter two were former interns and their decision to return to Cobepa reflects the positive impression our team left on them and the value of our internship program for fostering professional growth and building long-term relationships. The corporate team is strengthened with the arrival of Lucie Gresle (Talent Manager, EU) and Nathan Voss (IT Infrastructure Officer, EU).
DEC
Cobepa Closes Acquisition of Ascentiel Groupe
Ascentiel Groupe, based in Rueil-Malmaison, France is a leading digital insurance brokerage platform providing Property & Casualty cover for individuals and small businesses in several specialty niches. The transaction was signed in partnership with the management team.
Cobepa Signs the Closing of Climater
Cobepa signs an agreement with the intention to sell its stake in Climater, a Toulouse-based pure-play provider of HVAC installation and maintenance services. The company, acquired by Cobepa in 2022 has grown organically and, through acquisitions, has expanded its presence in France, entered Canada and developed new segments.
