Knop Investments (“Knop”), affiliated with a family office of the Pon family, has acquired a majority stake in the ‘Gemeenschappelijk Instituut voor Toegepaste Psychologie’ (“GITP”), a market leader in assessments, training, coaching, and talent analytics. In this transaction, the management of GITP acquired a minority stake.
The collaboration with Knop enables GITP to implement its ambitious growth strategy and future plans, which include increasing its online presence and executing a buy-and-build strategy. GITP fits well within Knop’s investment themes, focussing on enhancing and supporting the individual quality of life.
“We are entering a new growth phase and we have thought carefully about which environment suits this. The choice for a financial investor fits the further growth ambition and the required investments for this growth including, amongst others, technology and new talent,” says Else Slegers, CEO of GITP.
Lindenaar & Co acted as the advisor to the Stichting GITP (the shareholder) throughout the entire transaction process, being responsible for preparing the information memorandum and financial model, identifying potential investors, evaluating offers, leading the negotiations and coordinating the due diligence process.
GITP
GITP was founded in 1947 as part of the Marshall Plan to contribute to the economic reconstruction of the Netherlands with organisational psychology as a scientific foundation. GITP has grown into the market leader in the Netherlands in providing services in the field of insight into and development of talent.
Tightness on the labour market and a rapidly changing world require a different view on human capital. GITP helps people, teams and organisations to function better in their professional and social environment by offering assessments, training, coaching and complete development programs.
GITP employs approximately 120 consultants, trainers, psychologists and researchers, and has seven locations in the Netherlands, with its head office in Utrecht.
Knop Investments
Knop Investments is an independent investment firm affiliated with a family office of the Pon family, investing with a long-term perspective in majority stakes in Dutch companies with an operational profit between €2 million and €15 million.
Knop is a generalist investor with special focus on current issues such as resource scarcity and individual quality of life. Through its investments, Knop aims to contribute to the reduction of (fossil) resources use and harmful emissions, or relevant social issues.