French private investment house Ardian acquires majority stake in Eindhoven-based Vecos

Paris-based Ardian, a private investment house, announced on Wednesday, November 13 that it has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Eindhoven-based Vecos, a provider of tech-enabled smart locker solutions.

The French company acquired the stakes from Bencis, an independent investment company, which supported its growth since its investment in 2019.

The management team around CEO Bram Kuipers will continue to lead the company and will invest alongside Ardian as part of the transaction.

“This acquisition represents a significant opportunity for both Ardian and Vecos. Our partnership with the management team of Vecos will focus on accelerating international growth within Europe, particularly in France and Germany, as well as in the US. Besides, we see a lot of potential by leveraging AI and digital capabilities to further enhance operational efficiencies,” Florian Haas, Director Expansion, Ardian.

Vecos: End-to-end smart locker solution provider

Dutch company Vecos started as an electrical engineering development company and has transformed into an end-to-end smart locker solution provider.

The company’s proprietary self-service smart locker system facilitates flexible work in dynamic and hybrid environments.

Its solution combines locker hardware—physical locks and terminals—with a proprietary SaaS platform. This system is accessible through multiple methods, including access badges and a cloud-based app for employees.

Facility managers benefit from remote and automated locker management, receiving real-time data on locker usage via an online portal.

This data promotes cost efficiencies compared to traditional locker solutions like mechanical or electronic locks. Vecos’ solution can be seamlessly integrated into its customers’ IT workplace ecosystems, allowing for a harmonised setup across multiple locations.

The company has developed strong relationships with blue-chip customers globally, with a significant presence in Europe, APAC, and the US.

“Choosing Ardian as our partner was a strategic decision rooted in shared values and vision. Their expertise in scaling businesses and commitment to sustainable growth will enable us to enhance our offerings and expand our reach in key markets. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to redefine the future of workspaces,” Bram Kuipers, CEO of Vecos.

Ardian: Private investment house

Ardian is a private investment house, managing or advising $169B of assets on behalf of more than 1,680 clients globally. 

The company’s broad expertise, spanning Private Equity, Real Assets, and Credit, enables us to offer a wide range of investment opportunities and respond flexibly to our clients’ differing needs.

“The partnership with Vecos marks the second investment of Ardian Expansion in the Netherlands demonstrating our high commitment to the region. We are delighted to have the opportunity to support Vecos’ management team in their next phase of growth,” Dirk Wittneben, Managing Director Expansion, Ardian.