Van Gils Group, which specializes in surface treatment of steel and aluminum, is acquiring a majority stake in Malve Group of Meer as part of its continued expansion.
Van Gils Group
Van Gils started more than 45 years ago as a family business. From the Wuustwezel site, the company grew steadily. Further expansion came since 2008 through acquisitions and participations in companies in the provinces of Antwerp, Limburg, East Flanders, West Flanders and Liège. Malve will be the first plant able to anodize aluminum.
Malve Group
The company Malve – Meerse Aluminium Verwerking – is an independent family business founded in 1972 by Alfons and Louis Sprangers. Starting from the development of aluminum windows and doors, a first anodizing line was built for profiles up to a maximum length of 7 meters. Since 1981, the parents of the current manager Bert Sprangers expanded the company further. In 1996, the anodizing line was expanded, allowing aluminum profiles to be treated up to a maximum length of 16.4 meters. Two years later, in 1998, Bert and his wife Ilse Laurijssens took over Malve. Since then, they have constantly invested in the growth, optimization and sustainability of production. In 2021, a growing secondary activity of Malve, namely the specialization in various machining operations on aluminum profiles, was spun off into the company Alcom. Both the activities of Malve and Alcom will be acquired by Van Gils Group.
Complementary expertise
From its various branches, Van Gils Group focuses on blasting, metallizing, galvanizing, anodizing, chemical pre-treatment and powder coating of steel and aluminum. Van Gils Group strongly believes in the complementarity of its various branches, with each branch maintaining its individuality. By combining the different areas of expertise, the most appropriate technique is always available – for all possible applications of surface treatments on steel and aluminum.
Expansion into the aluminum sector
As of today, this expertise is further complemented by the know-how of the Malve group from Meer. The company has built up a very good reputation over the past few years and highly values its service and quality. Bert Sprangers and Ilse Laurijssens , remain on board and will co-invest in the future expansion plan.
Bert Sprangers and Ilse Laurijssens explain: “It was a difficult decision for us to look for a candidate acquirer/partner for our company. Equally, we needed support to ensure long-term growth. In this search, two characteristics were very important to us. On the one hand, we were looking for the same family character we strive for at Malve. On the other hand, we were looking for an independent partner. These and many other reasons brought us to Van Gils Group. Beyond that, we will have the opportunity to continue working with them on the further growth and success of our Malve. SDM Corporate Finance Group’s specialists have guided us in this from A-Z.”
With the acquisition, Van Gils Group further expands its range of services. CEO Joep Van Gils explains: “With the ability within our group to also offer anodizing alongside powder coating, we are strengthening our proposition to aluminum processing companies. The market is moving towards more sustainable products and production environments Not only does anodization fit into this movement, Malve has invested heavily in sustainable production in recent years.
SDM Corporate Finance Group SDM Corporate Finance Group was exclusive advisor to the Sprangers family regarding the sale of Malve Group to Van Gils Group.
