Each month, we analyze M&A deals to explore current sector trends. In December, we selected acquisitions in the retail and fitness sectors, as well as fund-raisings in renewable energies and fintech in Luxembourg and Belgium.
Delhaize Group adds the last two Alima supermarkets to its network
Delhaize Luxembourg expands its network by taking over the two Alima supermarkets in Luxembourg City and their 37 employees. This acquisition brings Delhaize’s network to 62 stores in Luxembourg. Alima, a family business founded in 1951, had been facing financial difficulties in recent years.
Colruyt Group adds NRG to its Jims fitness chain
The Colruyt Group has strengthened its position in the fitness sector by acquiring NRG, a chain of 42 gyms located mainly in Flanders, and integrating it into its Jims network. This strategic acquisition doubles the size of Jims, which will now have 82 gyms, and positions the group as number two in the Belgian fitness sector, behind Basic-Fit and its 229 gyms.
Belgian start-up Bnewable raises €40 million in financing
Bnewable, a Belgian start-up specializing in optimizing self-consumption of renewable energy for industrial companies, has raised €40 million, notably from the French fund Rgreen Invest, the family office Dovesco (De Clerck family) and Wallonie Entreprendre, the Walloon public fund. Bnewable enables manufacturers equipped with solar panels or wind turbines to optimize their self-consumption using batteries and software, while reselling surplus electricity.
Belgian photovoltaic specialist Solora raises over €15 million
Solora, a Ghent-based company providing installation services for solar panels, charging stations, energy storage batteries and corporate energy management solutions, has raised between €15 and €20 million from BNP Paribas Fortis and the Junction Growth Investors fund. The company plans to intensify its installation activities while expanding its international presence, particularly in France and the Netherlands.
Brussels-based fintech Digit89 raises almost €2 million
Digit89, a Brussels-based platform specializing in reverse factoring, has raised almost €2 million. With just one click, suppliers can request payment of invoices in advance of the due date with their customers.
The platform already works with the majority of French-speaking Belgian hospitals, offering their suppliers accelerated payments. Digit89 now aims to expand to Flemish hospitals, enter the French market and diversify into other sectors.
#M&A #Mergers & Acquisitions #Market Trends #Corporate Strategy #Luxembourg #Belgium
Sources: S&P Capital IQ Pro, Capital Finance, Paperjam, L’Echo, Les Echos
