BDO advises Group De Ceuster on the acquisition of Hawita Group

BDO advises Group De Ceuster on the acquisition of Hawita Group

Founded in 1966, GroupDC is a family-owned company that specialises in particular in the production of organic fertilisers and has a broad product portfolio in the field of soil fertility and plant health. "In view of the joint product portfolio and the innovative spirit that unites us, it is a logical step for us to join forces in order to be able to offer our customers an even more extensive product range in the future," says Tom De Ceuster, Managing Director of GroupDC.

In its more than 100-year history, the Hawita Group has developed into a premium manufacturer of products for modern horticulture. More than 450 employees develop and produce a broad product portfolio of high-quality soils, substrates, and plant pots for professional horticulturists to amateur gardeners at eight production sites.

A German-Belgian team from BDO led by Alexander Veithen and Kai Behling carried out financial due diligence as part of the transaction process and provided support during the purchase agreement negotiations. "The multinational team was able to benefit in particular from the lack of a language barrier in the cooperation. "As we were able to advise both GroupDC and Hawita Group in their respective national languages, we not only increased the efficiency of the process, but also improved smooth communication on a personal level," explains Alexander Veithen, Partner Transaction Services in Belgium.

In addition, BDO Tax & Legal, led by Liliane Kleinert and Alexander Veithen, provided comprehensive tax advice to GroupDC during the tax due diligence as well as during the development of an optimal acquisition structure (tax structuring) and SPA negotiations.

BDO advisors for financial due diligence:

  • Alexander Veithen (Partner BDO Belgium)
  • Kai Behling (Senior Manager BDO Germany)
  • Adrian Neuberth (Senior Consultant BDO Germany)

BDO advisors for tax due diligence:

  • Liliane Kleinert (Senior Manager BDO Germany)
  • Peter Klumpp (Senior Manager BDO Germany)
  • Lars Erichsen (Manager BDO Germany)