The managed service player Direct from Ronse will be owned by IT company Easi as of 1 January. Direct has a turnover of 3.7 million euros and employs 25 people. With this acquisition, IT company Easi switches up a gear and signs up for its largest acquisition to date.
Independent growth
Direct specializes in the proactive management of IT environments. The takeover means a substantial investment in the cloud offering for Easi and an injection of additional expertise in the field of managed services. With this, Easi is strengthening its position on the Flemish market, says CEO Thomas Van Eeckhout.
"We have a majority stake today and will have access to their resources and Azure expertise. In time, the intention is to incorporate their operation within the Easi organization, but certainly for the first two years, Koen and his team will continue to manage Direct themselves. It is our intention that they can continue their growth trajectory without any interference from our side."
Management remains on board
The entire management team remains on board and will also keep their office in Ronse. CEO of Direct Koen Lepez is pleased.
"This acquisition means a big step forward for our customers. Not only do we become part of a more solid structure, but in addition to our own specializations, we also gain access to additional expertise, especially in the field of security. That we have the opportunity to continue to grow and expand while maintaining our autonomy demonstrates the level of trust that exists between our companies."
Capital open to employees
Easi is aiming for a complete takeover and has today acquired 75 percent of the shares. That Direct, like Easi, opens its capital to its employees is significant says Thomas Van Eeckhout
"We believe that our shareholder model helps explain our success. The fact that they, like us, have a shareholder model shows that there is a very strong match between our companies. Both in terms of corporate culture and customer service."
Accordingly, all Direct employees who hold shares in their companies will continue to hold them.