Announcement of new CEO – Aptco Group

Posted by Jens Bonnier on

We are pleased to share an important leadership update. After almost 25 years at the helm of Aptco Group, Danny Pattyn is handing over the role of CEO to Quentin Courouble.

Danny Pattyn has been at the core of Aptco Group since he founded the company together with Jan De Munck in 2001, helping grow the company from a small business into a strong and trusted partner for customers and suppliers across multiple industries. His entrepreneurial spirit and people-first leadership style have shaped the success and culture of the group as we know it today.

Danny will continue to play a crucial role in the company. He will remain a board member and will take the lead of our merger & acquisitions activities to further strengthen the group’s three divisions—Sales & Distribution, Engineering & Manufacturing, and Calibration & Services—through smart acquisitions.

Quentin Courouble steps into the role of CEO at Aptco Group with a clear mission

His mission: to guide the company through its next phase of growth. With a fresh perspective and strong business acumen, Quentin brings the right energy and focus to support our ambitions—scaling up operations, expanding our reach, and reinforcing the group’s long-term vision, while preserving the values and DNA that define us.

This leadership change comes at a natural moment in time, aligning with our recent partnership with Tilleghem and our commitment to accelerating Aptco Group’s international growth.

A personal word from Danny

“When Jan and I started Benelux Scientific 25 years ago, our dream was to have a measuring device sold by us in every lab that we drove by. We made plans and set what we thought to be an ambitious goal of reaching €10M in sales.

A quarter of a century later, we have proven that if you can dream it, you can do it. Our success is a consequence of that dream, of ideas and a vision, of the belief in ourselves, of hard work and stubbornly carrying on when things were not going so well.

But what I am most proud of after almost 25 years is the competent team we have brought together—a team that shares our vision, a team that truly stands for going for great and achieving together. That team is ready for the future.”

"It is particularly pleasant for me to be able to pass the CEO steering wheel to Quentin. He has the knowledge, the experience and the ambition to take on this task. I am convinced that he will continue to uphold the family values of our company and that the best is yet to come."
Danny Pattyn

More about Quentin Courouble

In search of a truly open, growth-minded and entrepreneurial company culture, Quentin joined Aptco Group in 2022, first taking up a purchasing role at Fontijne Presses while also helping them move to their new facilities in Rotterdam.

For most of 2024, Quentin successfully supported the transition of Escil from a manufacturing business model to a distribution business model.

Prior to joining Aptco Group, Quentin gained experience in various commercial and leadership roles that took him around the world. He lived and worked in Africa, the Middle East and the United States before returning to Europe in 2020.

These roles at various leading companies gave him a diverse experience and broad international business perspective, which will help him take on his new challenge at Aptco Group.

Aptco Group announces strategic partnership with Tilleghem

Posted by Jens Bonnier on

Aptco Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Tilleghem, a private equity investment company based in Ghent, Belgium, whereby Tilleghem has acquired a minority stake in Aptco Group.

This collaboration marks a significant step in Aptco Group’s growth trajectory, positioning the company for accelerated international expansion and long-term success. The daily operations and responsibilities remain unchanged, and will continue to be led by the existing Aptco Group management team.

Over the past few years, Aptco Group has experienced a rapid expansion, driven by strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions. This progress is evident across the group’s three divisions: Sales & Distribution, Engineering & Manufacturing, and Calibration & Services.

The decision to partner up with Tilleghem was made after careful consideration: we were not only looking for a financial growth partner, but also for a strategic partner who shares our vision, brings specific expertise, and has a network to actively support us in achieving our long-term goals. With Tilleghem’s support,  Aptco Group is set to further strengthen its market position while accelerating its international growth ambitions.

"Since our start in 2001, we have been committed to long-term growth and ambitious expansion plans. This partnership is the logical next step for us, as we welcome a like-minded partner who shares our drive, ambition, and values. With our current management team and Tilleghem’s support, we are wel -positioned to take on new challenges and collaborations that will shape our future."
Danny Pattyn - CEO of Aptco Group
"We look forward to working closely with management to further strengthen the group and provide support in the next phase where international expansion via an accelerated acquisition strategy will be central. Further growth of the current three business units will also be high on the agenda."
Joachim Depuydt and Lieselot Peeters - Partners at Tilleghem

About Tilleghem

Tilleghem is a Ghent-based private equity investor with a strong track record of supporting companies in their growth and development. With investments in multiple businesses, their focus is on providing strategic guidance and fostering sustainable expansion.

More information on tilleghem.com.

About Aptco Group

Aptco Group is a leading international technology group that specializes in the distribution, engineering and manufacturing, and servicing of high-quality equipment and consumables that support innovation in science and technology.

More information on aptco-group.com

Sale of Sopachem Belgium and Sopachem Netherlands

Posted by Jens Bonnier on

As of October 30, Sopachem Belgium and Sopachem Netherlands are no longer part of the Aptco Group. We have successfully sold our entire interests in both entities through a management buy-out, enabling Sopachem to continue its journey outside of the Aptco Group under the leadership of Philippe Loir and Sébastien Blaze.

This decision follows careful consideration and reflects our commitment to focusing on businesses that align with our long-term strategy of building a diversified, stable business with ambitious growth targets.

The proceeds from this transaction will enable us to invest further in key areas of the group, both internally by strengthening our Shared Services and existing group companies, but also externally by pursuing new acquisitions that fit our strategic objectives.

How the newly renovated HQ office reflects Aptco Group’s values and its vision 

Posted by jandemunck on

Q&A Interview with Kathleen de Kegel, CFO and Fien Fourneau, HR Coordinator at Aptco Group

“We aimed to create a workplace where people enjoy being. And, of course, a beautiful office or a well-equipped workspace certainly contributes to that.“

Kathleen De Kegel

In 2017, Aptco Group relocated to Nazareth, where it settled in a unique location. Before the building was transformed into an office, it served as a showroom for handbags. The unique spatial design quickly resulted in many spaces being underutilized and inefficiently used. With the goal of creating high-quality, efficient, and flexible workspaces, Aptco Group enlisted the services of the interior architects from Het Kantoor van Morgen. The brand-new office was officially opened in early 2023. Following an exclusive tour by Kathleen and Fien, who were instrumental in the renovation, the conversation shifted to one of the brand-new spaces for further discussion. 

Kathleen De Kegel (51) has seventeen years of experience at Aptco Group. As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), she is responsible for the financial aspects of Aptco Group. Additionally, she is involved in general administrative management, accounting processes, and human resources policies, which she oversees in collaboration with Fien Fourneau. Fien (33) works already for two years as Human Resources Coordinator within Aptco Group. She serves as the primary point of contact for various personnel-related inquiries, payroll, recruitment, and selection for all companies within Aptco Group. You might be wondering what could be so interesting about a conversation regarding office spaces that would warrant an entire article.

Well, as we have come to expect from Aptco Group, it is a multifaceted project with a focus on providing exceptional sales and service for customers and suppliers while placing those who use the space most at the center.

First and foremost, the new office looks stunning. What were the initial reactions? 

Kathleen: It was delightful. We have WhatsApp groups with colleagues. There was a colleague who made a video just after everything was set up and the furniture was in place. My phone was buzzing all evening. All the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Everyone was very enthusiastic. From various quarters, we heard that the new office felt cozy primarily. 

Fien: Indeed, the office is now filled with color. There’s plenty of natural light, plants, and even some artworks. It’s great that the architects played with our atypical structure, creating a pleasant dynamism that you won’t easily find in other offices. 

How did you come to the decision to undertake these renovations? Was it a project that had been on the back burner for a while? 

Kathleen: Initially, I am, of course, the sponsor. I am responsible for the financial aspects of the renovations, although it quickly involved much more.   

After our move in 2017, the rear building, where the warehouse and labs are now located, needed to be renovated. We had configured the main building into a co-working space with flexible desks. Although this setup was certainly pleasant, we noticed that it didn’t align with the work context. Some employees need to make many phone calls, and they required individual spaces. Conducting a video call or a brief meeting was very challenging. Additionally, there was no suitable space for large group meetings. 

Fien: Aptco Group’s growth has also played a significant role. When a company grows, the service must naturally grow with it. 

Kathleen: Absolutely! In Begoniastraat, we had twenty people in the office. Currently, the team of Aptco Group shared services itself comprises approximately sixty individuals. At the same time, the office needs to function as a meeting place for the companies within Aptco Group. Through the renovations, we aimed to address those aspects. 

The building has changed in many ways. Does it align with your expectations regarding a workplace and the employees? 

Kathleen: We aimed to create a workplace where people enjoy being. Work is a significant part of life. And, of course, a beautiful building or a well-equipped workspace certainly contributes to that. My goal is that when we hire someone new, they should primarily be happy here. We, at Aptco Group, believe that this is the starting point for enjoying and excelling in one’s job. 

Fien: The more energy people derive from their job, the more they can contribute to the results themselves. Furthermore, the renovations offer many more possibilities. Various companies are part of Aptco Group. All these companies work together at the same table. One day, you may sit next to someone from Benelux Scientific, while the next day, you could be facing someone from GrafiMedics, LHM Instrumentation or Calibration Lab. 

Kathleen: We aim to promote cross-pollination between people and companies. This synergy allows companies and colleagues to learn from each other, share ideas, and pick up on innovations. 

“We are a company that embraces challenges, which entail all sorts of changes and naturally requires flexibility from its employees.”

Kathleen De Kegel

Fien: I also believe that the new layout plays a significant role in this regard. Previously, we tended to choose the same spaces, which kept the divisions between the companies clear. Now, I see that these divisions have dissolved. Of course, if you want to have a team meeting or a brief discussion, there is ample space for that. 

Kathleen: We have all the tools to facilitate collaboration. Standing or sitting desks, large screens, training rooms, large meeting rooms, and focus areas for concentrated work. Essentially, everything is available in one building. Whether you work in sales, as a technician, or in administration, we have ensured that everything is in place to perform your job perfectly. 

Delving deeper into the company culture, you mentioned that it’s important to create a workplace where people enjoy being. How does this manifest itself? 

“The first thing that comes to mind is an open culture driven by optimism and loyalty.”

Fien Fourneau

Fien: Everyone who works here should feel at home and find their place. I think we have succeeded in that regard. Flexibility and trust play a role. We give employees the freedom and responsibility to perform their jobs as independently as possible. 

Kathleen: That’s definitely true. At the same time, we expect it in return. At our company, we actively embrace challenges, which often entail various changes and naturally demand flexibility from our employees. 

How do the values of Aptco Group translate within the new office? 

Fien: The first thing that comes to mind is an open culture driven by optimism and loyalty. We strive for customer-friendliness and flexibility in everything we do for our customers, suppliers, and employees alike. We really enjoy working with each other in an informal, open and fun environment where everyone feels appreciated and loves to come to work.  

Kathleen: Indeed, our unwritten values transpare in the way we work and the vibe in the office. We want to go that extra mile to create additional value for everyone involved with Aptco Group. We aim for greatness, and we think along from start to finish to offer the best product, service, and most valued job to our customers, suppliers, and employees alike. 

Photography credits: Jens Compernolle, Sightways.

Aptco Group acquires Schaefer-Tec, strengthening its presence in the European market

Posted by Aptco Group on

Aptco Group, a leading international technology group specializing in the distribution, servicing, and manufacturing of lab instrumentation, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with Schaefer-Tec, a renowned supplier of innovative solutions for science and engineering in the DACH territory, France, Italy, and Romania. This acquisition further solidifies Aptco Group’s commitment to innovation, growth, and quality support.

The partnership between Aptco Group and Schaefer-Tec marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of solidifying existing partnerships in the laboratory instrumentation industry. With almost six decades of experience and a strong track record of delivering high-quality products, Schaefer-Tec’s reputation for reliability, extensive product range, and loyal customer base perfectly aligns with Aptco Group’s core values and long-term strategic vision.

Schaefer-Tec is much more than a well-known name in the European market. It is a strong team with almost 60 years of experience, a wide range of high-quality products, and a large number of loyal customers. For the Aptco Group, this acquisition is an excellent opportunity to strengthen its presence in the European market.

Danny Pattyn, CEO of the Aptco Group
Danny Pattyn, CEO of the Aptco Group

We are extremely pleased to be joining the Aptco Group, which will consolidate our future, create new opportunities for innovation and growth, and will certainly increase our visibility on the market.

Martin Bossard, CEO of Schaefer-Tec
Martin Bossard, CEO of Schaefer-Tec

Customers and partners of Schaefer-Tec are assured that this partnership will not disrupt their existing relationships. Business operations will continue as usual, and they can continue to communicate with their trusted contacts at the various Schaefer-Tec offices.

Both Aptco Group and Schaefer-Tec are confident that this strategic partnership will yield numerous benefits for customers, employees, and stakeholders. Together, they aim to expand their market reach, and provide enhanced support to the scientific and engineering communities they serve.

For more information about Aptco Group, please visit aptco-group.com.
For more information about Schaefer-Tec, please visit schaefer-tec.com.

Rising demand for COMPCUT machines partnered with Aptco Technologies

Posted by Aptco Group on

Rising demand for COMPCUT machines across Europe will be met by new specialist Pan-European partner Aptco Technologies

COMPCUT, the specialist division designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art composite cutting and machining solutions, powered by Sharp & Tappin, is improving its supply and service to the European market by teaming up with specialist partner Aptco Technologies. The European based developer, manufacturer and worldwide supplier of sample preparation and testing equipment for labs, will now contribute to the composite cutting revolution by actively promoting, selling and technically supdporting the latest Compcut composite cutting machines used primarily for the swift and safe preparation of consistently accurate composite test samples.

Composite samples cut using the Compcut machine. Photo Credit, all images: Sharp & Tappin/Compcut
Composite samples cut using the Compcut machine. Photo Credit, all images: Sharp & Tappin/Compcut

As Compcut machines are acquired by more leading manufacturers, test houses and academic institutions their use is fast becoming the norm for producing test samples and hence demand for the technology is rising both in Europe and in the US, where the technology is already well established and supported under the Labcut brand by Extec Technologies. Across mainland Europe this exciting new partnership with Aptco Technologies will allow more companies and organisations to produce critical composite test samples using Compcut machines as they join the hundreds of Composite Engineers who now realise that this is safer, easier, quicker, cleaner, cost-effective and more consistent.

For more information please visit the aptco-technologies.com website.

Aptco Group becomes no.1 service partner for Thermo Scientific Phenom SEM in Europe

Posted by Aptco Group on

As of January 1, 2023, Aptco Group has been appointed by Thermo Scientific as official service partner for the Thermo Scientific Phenom SEM product line in Germany. As a result, through its customer support organization “Service Lab”, Aptco Group now supports more than 500 Phenom Electron microscopes in the France, Benelux and Germany region.

Several support hubs in Berlin and Langen (DE), Nazareth (BE), Ede (NL) and Lyon (FR – from 10/2023) are at the disposal of Phenom SEM customers for a wide range of services such as maintenance contracts, performance checks, repairs and training for new and advanced operators.

Visit the service-lab.eu site for more information or requests related to your Phenom microscope.