The material handling equipment industry in Benelux plays a vital role in logistics and manufacturing, focusing on the movement, storage, and retrieval of goods. Companies range from manufacturers of forklifts and conveyors to providers of automation and robotics solutions. As e-commerce surges, this sector is shifting toward advanced technologies, including automation and digital integration, to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Sustainability also drives development as companies seek eco-friendly solutions that minimize waste and energy consumption. Notably, innovations in warehouse robotics and smart material handling systems are set to redefine operational effectiveness across industries in this region.


This list features an array of investors in the material handling equipment sector, varying from venture capital firms to private equity groups. Based in local hubs like Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Brussels, these investors range in size, with some managing thousands of employees. Founded from 1948 to 2018, they have collectively made a significant impact by supporting companies with up to 99 transactions in 2024. Their strategic investments aim to enhance operational capabilities in this crucial industry, illustrating their commitment to fostering growth and innovation in material handling.


Top 13 Material Handling Equipment Investors in Benelux


1. Triton Partners


Triton Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1997. The firm specializes in private equity and credit investments in European mid-market businesses, focusing on sectors such as Business Services, Industrial Tech, and Healthcare. Triton provides operational expertise and capital to help companies unlock their full potential, partnering with management teams to address challenges and drive growth. Notably, Triton has made significant investments in the material handling equipment sector, including the acquisition of MacGregor, a cargo handling specialist, for EUR 480 million, and Dematic, a leader in automation solutions for material handling. Additionally, their acquisition of Royal Reesink Group, a distributor of machinery and equipment, further highlights their active role in this industry. These transactions reflect Triton's strategic interest in enhancing operational efficiencies and growth within the material handling equipment market.


2. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg that provides financial services, including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services, to support sustainable projects across various sectors. Founded in 1958, EIB focuses on promoting growth and job creation through its funding initiatives. In the context of material handling equipment, EIB has been involved in several relevant transactions. For instance, it participated in funding rounds for OnRobot, a company specializing in collaborative robot grippers, which are essential for automating material handling tasks. Additionally, EIB invested in Nomagic, a Polish developer of pick-and-place warehouse robots, which are designed to automate manual warehouse operations. Furthermore, EIB provided a €50 million loan to Collé Rental & Sales to electrify its fleet of specialized rental machinery, further supporting advancements in the material handling equipment industry. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to investing in technologies that enhance efficiency and sustainability in material handling operations.


3. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent private equity firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. The firm specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. Notably, CVC has made significant strides in the material handling equipment sector with recent acquisitions such as HiSERV, a German ground service equipment specialist, and CTC Moyson Airport Equipment. These acquisitions reflect CVC's commitment to expanding its footprint in the material handling and ground service equipment markets, supporting the growth of these companies as they enhance their operations across Europe. Additionally, CVC's investment in SIAT Group further demonstrates their involvement in the material handling space, showcasing their strategy of delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments in relevant industries.


4. NPM Capital

  • Website: npm-capital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1948
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: npm-capital

NPM Capital is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1948. The firm specializes in supporting medium-sized and large companies, particularly family-owned enterprises in the Benelux region, by providing capital and strategic advisory services aimed at fostering growth and sustainability. NPM Capital operates across various sectors, including technology and education, but has also made significant investments in the material handling equipment industry. Notably, NPM Capital acquired Vanderlande in 1988, a leading provider of automated material handling systems, which underscores its commitment to this sector. Additionally, the firm acquired Dieseko Group B.V. in 2013, a company that manufactures equipment for the construction and civil engineering sectors, which may also intersect with material handling applications. These transactions highlight NPM Capital's active role in the material handling equipment landscape, making it a relevant investor in this field.


5. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across various sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably, primarily targeting entrepreneurial companies seeking capital and expertise to navigate market challenges. Notably, Gimv has been involved in several transactions that could relate to the material handling equipment industry, such as the acquisition of Wemas Absperrtechnik, a provider of mobile road safety equipment, and their recent acquisition of Groupe Tibbloc, which specializes in temporary energy solutions. These investments suggest a broader interest in sectors that may intersect with material handling and logistics.


6. H2 Equity Partners

  • Website: h2ep.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1991
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: h2-equity-partners

H2 Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 1991. The firm specializes in private equity investments in mid-sized companies across various sectors, providing hands-on support and consulting services to help management teams achieve growth and operational improvements. Notable transactions include the acquisition of the William Hackett Group in December 2023, which may involve material handling components, and the acquisition of ISERO in 2010, as well as GBUK Group in 2015. Their investment in Motive Offshore Group in 2022 also indicates their active role in sectors that could intersect with material handling equipment, although specific details on these companies' operations are not provided.


7. Lrm

  • Website: lrm.be
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: lrmnv

LRM is a venture capital investment company based in Hasselt, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1994. The firm focuses on sustainable economic growth in the Limburg region, providing financing and expertise to startups, scale-ups, and mature companies to facilitate their development and innovation. LRM has been involved in various transactions, including the acquisition of Ellimetal N.V., which specializes in storage silos and complex equipment for logistics, aimed at accelerating the company's international growth. They also invested in Qviro, a review platform for B2B industrial technology, which is relevant to the Industry 4.0 landscape. These transactions highlight LRM's commitment to supporting companies that contribute to the material handling equipment sector, alongside their broader investment strategy that includes real estate development and reconversion of old mining sites.


8. TKH Group

  • Website: tkhgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Haaksbergen, Overijssel, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1930
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: tkh-group-n.v.

TKH Group is a technology company based in Haaksbergen, Netherlands, specializing in innovative solutions for automation, digitalization, and electrification. Founded in 1930, the company operates globally, providing smart vision, manufacturing, and connectivity systems to enhance efficiency and sustainability across various sectors. Notably, TKH Group has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its capabilities in machine vision and automation technologies. For instance, their acquisition of Euresys in May 2023, a company specializing in machine vision technologies, aligns with their strategy to enhance operational efficiencies. Similarly, the acquisition of SVS-Vistek GmbH in September 2019 further strengthens their portfolio in vision technology, which is crucial for modern material handling systems. These transactions highlight TKH Group's commitment to integrating advanced technologies that can significantly impact the material handling equipment sector.


9. Astorg

  • Website: astorg.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: astorg

Astorg is a private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 1998, specializing in investments in global B2B companies. With €22 billion in assets under management, Astorg focuses on creating long-term value through a disciplined investment process and strong partnerships with entrepreneurs. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Megadyne, an Italian company that produces belts and pulleys for industrial applications, highlighting their engagement in the material handling equipment sector. Additionally, their investment in Groupe STACI, a leader in logistics services, further emphasizes their involvement in industries related to material handling. Astorg's strategic guidance and capital support aim to enhance the growth and market position of their portfolio companies, including those in the material handling space.


10. VDL Groep

  • Website: vdlgroep.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1953
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: vdl-groep

VDL Groep is an industrial manufacturer based in Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands, founded in 1953. The company specializes in transportation solutions, automation systems, and food processing equipment, serving various sectors including public transport, automotive, and food processing industries. VDL Groep has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, such as the acquisition of Smits Spreader Systems in 2005, which could relate to material handling through its focus on spreader systems. More recently, in 2022, VDL Groep acquired a majority stake in Olocco, an Italian manufacturer of rotary and industrial diverting valves, further expanding its footprint in the industrial sector. These transactions reflect VDL Groep's commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning them as a potential investor in the material handling equipment industry.


11. Ingka Investments

  • Website: ingka.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: ingka-investments

Ingka Investments, a corporate investor based in Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands, is part of the Ingka Group, which operates IKEA stores and shopping centers globally. Founded in 2018, the firm focuses on providing affordable home furnishings while managing investments to support long-term growth and sustainability goals. Notably, Ingka Investments has been involved in several transactions relevant to the material handling equipment context. For instance, they acquired Made4Net, a warehouse management system software provider, to enhance IKEA's e-commerce and omnichannel services, thereby improving order fulfillment capabilities. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for GoBolt, a technology company that is enhancing its electric fleet and investing in robotics and warehouse automation. These activities demonstrate Ingka Investments' commitment to improving logistics and material handling processes, making them a relevant player in this industry.


12. Pmv

  • Website: pmv.eu
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: pmv-eu

Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen (PMV) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, that acts as an investment company for the Flemish government. Founded in 2001, PMV provides a range of financing solutions, including loans and co-financing, to startups, scale-ups, and established businesses across various sectors such as real estate, clean tech, and life sciences. Notably, PMV has also invested in companies relevant to the material handling equipment industry, such as Dockflow, which focuses on enhancing transparency and reliability in logistics, and SupplyStack, which raised €5 million in a Series A funding round to improve supply chain operations. These investments highlight PMV's engagement in sectors that are integral to material handling, making it a relevant player in this space.


13. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a diversified holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor has made significant investments in the material handling context, including a funding round for TVS Supply Chain Solutions, which raised INR 590 crore to strengthen its technology capabilities and support growth initiatives. Additionally, Exor participated in funding rounds for Verity, a company specializing in autonomous indoor drones that provide data-driven intelligence and inventory management solutions, further emphasizing its commitment to innovative solutions in the material handling space. In 2024, Exor also invested in Inbolt, which raised $16.7 million in Series A funding, indicating ongoing interest in technology-driven solutions relevant to material handling.



Material Handling Equipment Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Triton PartnersLuxembourg201-50019976
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
NPM CapitalAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019481
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
H2 Equity PartnersAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-5019910
LrmHasselt, Flanders, Belgium51-20019941
TKH GroupHaaksbergen, Overijssel, Netherlands5001-1000019301
AstorgLuxembourg51-20019988
VDL GroepEindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands10001+19531
Ingka InvestmentsLeiden, South Holland, Netherlands51-20020184
PmvBrussels, Brussels, Belgium51-200200111
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926


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