Smile Invest enters into a partnership with Varel Security
Varel Security, the leading Belgian provider of integrated security technology solutions, welcomes Smile Invest as a new partner alongside key management and ING. This strategic partnership marks an important next step in Varel’s development and creates new opportunities to further strengthen its position and accelerate growth in Belgium and abroad. Founder Ben Fortan and his experienced team will remain fully committed, continuing to drive both the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategy, in close partnership with Smile Invest.
With this partnership, Varel Security is well-positioned to continue its strong growth trajectory. The company will further build on its proven strategy, combining organic growth with targeted acquisitions, while continuing to invest in innovation, service quality, and long-term customer relationships. The focus remains on delivering reliable, integrated security technology solutions that provide customers with complete peace of mind.
With a team of dedicated and highly skilled professionals, Varel Security offers a comprehensive range of services, including design, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and lifecycle management of electronic security and fire detection systems. The company serves a broad client base across multiple sectors, supported by long-term service contracts and a strong reputation for quality and responsiveness.
Importantly, this partnership is built on continuity and shared ambitions. Customers, employees, and partners can expect the same trusted approach, entrepreneurial culture, and operational excellence that have underpinned Varel’s success to date, now further strengthened by the support of a complementary partner.
Ben Fortan, founder, co-owner, CFO, and Head of M&A and Strategy of Varel Security, looks ahead with confidence: “This partnership is a natural next step for Varel. We have built a strong company with a fantastic team and loyal customers, and we wanted to bring in a partner that shares our long-term vision and entrepreneurial mindset. From the start, there was a very good alignment with Smile Invest. It is important to emphasize that this is about continuity and opportunity. Business will continue as usual, with the same people and culture, now supported by additional expertise and resources to help us grow further. I am very pleased with the outcome and excited about what we can achieve together.”
Cliff Lodewijckx, CEO of Varel Security, who also joined as shareholder, adds: "Our focus is clear: accelerated growth by serving our expanding customer base, taking on larger and more complex projects, and offering security as a service. All of this is built on the deep expertise and knowledge we have developed within Varel Security over many years — in a world that is becoming increasingly digital and connected, and where technological advances continually create new solutions to keep our customers secure."
Bart Cauberghe, Managing Partner and Joost van Wijk, Investment Director at Smile Invest, add: “We are very impressed by Varel Security’s track record, its strong positioning in the Belgian market, and the quality of its team. Ben and his colleagues have built a company with a clear focus on service, long-term customer relationships, and innovation with national coverage. We see this as a true partnership: our role is to support the team in realizing their ambitions, while preserving the entrepreneurial culture that makes Varel unique. We look forward to working closely together to continue building the business in a sustainable way.”
Evelyne Heyvaert, Head of ING Corporate Investments: “It has been a privilege for ING to support the company as a minority investor over a number of years and to witness its evolution into a strong platform backed by a dedicated team. We welcome Smile Invest as an experienced partner, well positioned to support the management team in delivering the company’s next phase of growth.”
