New name reflects positive and customer-centric approach to IT services for SMEs
Eindhoven, Sept. 30, 2024 – Investment company Riverdam is strengthening Smizer, the IT Managed Services Provider (MSP) buy and build platform, with a majority stake in Eindhoven-based ICT service provider ILC-Europe. ILC-Europe, active since 1997 as a specialized IT managed services provider, provides cloud ICT solutions for healthcare organizations and SMEs in the Southern Netherlands. With this acquisition, Riverdam reinforces its buy and build strategy focused on regional IT managed services providers.
Growth of regionally operating IT Managed Service Providers
The IT industry is growing strongly in the Netherlands, supporting the digitization of other sectors. Riverdam is responding to this by actively investing in regionally operating IT Managed Services Providers through Smizer for the past three years. With the acquisition of ILC-Europe, Smizer now includes a platform of five IT MSPs spread across the Netherlands: Emma Solutions ICT in Den Bosch, Office IT in Sneek, Xaris ICT in Wognum, Altios Cloud Experts in Apeldoorn, and ILC-Europe in Eindhoven.
These IT Managed Services Providers offer cloud solutions that allow employees of SMBs and nonprofit organizations to work securely and flexibly from anywhere. “The Netherlands has one of the most developed IT markets in Europe and serves as the country’s third ‘Mainport.’ Due to the ongoing digital transformation, we expect an acceleration in the market in the coming years,” said Derk van Wingerden, co-founder of Riverdam.
Scale requires new strategy
With the strong growth of the IT sector, the demand for scalable services is also growing. “For an organization that wants to develop further and break through growth barriers, this requires a new approach. That is why this is the ideal time for ILC-Europe to join Smizer,” stated Joost Wittgen, founder of ILC-Europe. “At Smizer, led by Riverdam, quality, customer focus and flexibility are key – core values that perfectly align with those of ILC-Europe. Together we are joining forces, strengthening our platform, and creating valuable growth opportunities for our employees and associates.”
About ILC-Europe
ILC-Europe is an experienced ICT service provider in Eindhoven, focusing on workplace automation, VoIP telephony, server management, virtualization, security, and hybrid cloud solutions. The company supports healthcare organizations and SMEs, primarily in the Southern Netherlands.
About Riverdam and Smizer
Riverdam is an investment company focused on Dutch SMEs, investing in Dutch SMEs with a turnover of up to EUR 20 million and offering entrepreneurs expertise, financial support and a broad network. Through Smizer, Riverdam has acquired 11 IT Managed Services Providers in the past three years. Smizer provides its businesses with a solid foundation and opportunities for further growth. Using Smizer as a buy and build platform, Riverdam supports profitable MSPs in their growth ambitions by providing strategic acquisitions, knowledge, experience and an extensive network.
