Sentech and Smile Invest join forces to accelerate Sentech’s growth ambitions and internationalisation strategy
On March 25, Smile Invest assumes a majority stake in Sentech. In order to realise its growth ambitions and long-term goals, Sentech entered into exploratory discussions with several financial partners last year. After a careful selection and research process, Sentech decided to partner with Smile Invest.
Sentech specialises in the design and assembly of customised sensor solutions. The company, located in Nieuwkuijk, the Netherlands, was founded in 2000 by Marcel Figge and employs more than 60 technical specialists. Sentech’s products find their way worldwide in applications within the semiconductor industry as well as the automotive, healthcare and agrotech markets. With a continuous stream of innovations such as self-driving vehicles, the internet of things and artificial intelligence, the sensor market is expected to keep growing steadily in the coming years.
Commercial Director Marco Leeggangers and Operations Director Hermen Kobus will take on Sentech’s daily management as a two-person board. Founder Marcel Figge will continue to manage strategic long-term projects. Marcel Figge: "With Smile Invest we are bringing in a partner that not only has the required network, capital and technical knowledge, but also matches our vision to create long term value for our clients in a transparent way. Smile Invest is entering the shareholder structure at a time when we are ready for the next big step. We will use the new resources and knowledge to invest in building a solid footprint outside the Netherlands, and to further professionalise the operational facilities." Marco Leeggangers and Hermen Kobus add: "In the past few years, we have been actively involved as managers in building the foundation. In our new role, we now look forward to setting out the lines to become a leading supplier of integrated sensor solutions in North-Western Europe, and to turn Sentech into an even stronger company. This feels like a logical step for us, but it is a new chapter which is why we are pleased to have an experienced partner like Smile Invest on board to help us navigate through the next phase."
Ad Notenboom and Bart Cauberghe, partners at Smile Invest: "Sentech is a textbook example of a Dutch high-tech beauty with a unique position in the market. The professionalism of the organisation, the quality of the solutions and the high level of customer satisfaction are typically seen in companies that are a few years ahead in their journey. The focus on technological innovation, along with Sentech's strong growth ambitions, fit exactly within our investment focus. We will support Sentech in these ambitions and make sure that the company is perfectly equipped for both organic and inorganic business growth."
Boilerplate
Sentech provides sensor knowledge and innovation. Our sensor experts make customised and smart sensor solutions for complex measurement and control issues from OEMs.
Our field of activity is subdivided into four market segments, as players in these industries have different demands on sensor technology: automotive & heavy vehicles, healthcare & instruments, high tech & robotics and agrotechnology & horticulture. For more information: www.sentech.nl.
Smile Invest (Smart Money for Innovation Leaders) is a European evergreen investment firm with €350 million of assets under management, financed by 40 entrepreneurial families and with a long-term focus on innovative growth companies. Smile Invest focuses on companies active in three investment themes: Digitalisation, Healthcare & Wellbeing and Environment. From its offices in The Hague and Leuven, the team supports ambitious entrepreneurs and management teams in realising their growth plans.