NOM has taken a stake in Ebotex of Siddeburen. Founder and owner Erik Boon is thus cashing in on part of his shares. Together they are preparing the company for a sustainable future. 'I want the craftsmanship and quality of Ebotex to be preserved and further expanded.'
Ebotex has experienced impressive growth since its founding in 2001. The Siddeburen-based company develops, produces and supplies lifting equipment, cargo securing systems and related solutions. The products, made from strong synthetic materials, are mainly used in sectors such as logistics, construction, industry and transport.
'About four years ago, around age 55, partly due to physical discomfort, I started thinking about how I wanted to shape the future of Ebotex,' Boon says. 'I felt it was important for the company to continue to exist independently and therefore not be swallowed up by a strategic party. I simply want the craftsmanship and quality of Ebotex to be retained and further expanded.Moreover, most people have been working here for years, some even for more than twenty years. For them as well as for the region, I want the company to continue in the best possible way and remain anchored here.'
Reward for loyalty
One of those loyal employees is Dennis Stegmeijer, the current operations manager. Boon calls him his mainstay in the company. 'He has always been one hundred percent committed to Ebotex. For years I have been able to rely on him at any time. I want to reward that loyalty by having Dennis acquire an equity stake. Not least because he himself had indicated that he would like to continue with Ebotex.'
Pre-exit
In their search for a business succession structure, Boon and Stegmeijer came into contact with NOM. There was an immediate click with Investment Managers Ruud van Dijk and Alexander Draaijer. 'We agreed in September 2024 to explore the possibilities of a pre-exit together,' Draaijer explains. 'In a pre-exit, the owner cashes in part of his shares, while at the same time we prepare the company for an eventual full sale in the future.'
Transaction completed
After extensive bookkeeping and thorough vetting of all relevant business aspects, the parties reached an agreement in March 2025. The construction has now been effected: Boon has cashed in part of his shares and NOM has taken a significant stake in the company. In line with Boon's wishes, operations manager Stegmeijer also acquired an equity stake.
As part of the transaction, a new buying holding company, known as NewCo, was established in which ING also co-financed.
Unique position
Ebotex fits well into NOM's investment strategy, says Draaijer. 'It is a healthy company with a unique position in the market. There are hardly any companies in the Netherlands that produce and supply similar high-quality products, including numerous specialties. In addition, Ebotex is an important employer that we would like to keep for the region.' Boon is also enthusiastic. 'This construction is perfect for me. It ensures that I can remain closely involved in the future development of the company. At the same time, we guarantee continuity and create room for further growth.'
Suitable successor
In the coming period, NOM, Boon and Stegmeijer will work together to further develop Ebotex. 'We are continuing the existing course and the NOM is strengthening us in this regard,' Boon emphasizes. 'We are focusing on our core activities, but we are also looking at aspects that we can strengthen and how we can put the right people in the right places.'
An important next step is to find a suitable successor to Boon. 'We are going to look with Erik for a suitable candidate who can lead the company in the long term,' Draaijer says. 'In addition, we are also looking for a commercial employee who can gradually take over Erik's duties. In this way, step by step we are making Ebotex less dependent on one person.'
NOM acts as a sparring partner in this process, keeping the company on its toes and contributing its expertise and network. 'Our joint goal is to further grow Ebotex and build it into an even more attractive company for a next owner, while keeping it firmly anchored in the Northern Netherlands,' Draaijer concludes.