Top Systems teams up with Holland Capital to create the premier Dutch battery-based solutions provider

April 2024 — Holland Capital, a Netherlands-based private equity firm, has acquired a stake in Top Systems, a leading provider of complete battery-based power solutions, with a unique value-added services proposition.

Top Systems has become the most experienced and successful battery-based power solutions specialist in the Benelux. Over the years, the company has developed a broad and high-quality battery-based product portfolio, designed for specific applications in various end-markets, including mobility, infra and construction, industry and marine. Through its diversified solutions offering of mainly lithium-based battery products, Top Systems is fully equipped to meet the demand of increasingly complex battery-based power solutions.

The fast-growing battery-based power solutions market is currently experiencing substantial growth (+19% CAGR), combined with a growing demand for lithium-based solutions (+21% CAGR). The energy transition, which involves a global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, is playing a significant role in fueling the growth. Top Systems has established a dominant position by executing more than 9,000 projects and is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the favorable dynamics in the rapidly expanding lithium-based battery market.

Holland Capital, a Netherlands-based private equity firm, has been responsibly and successfully investing in promising Dutch and German SMEs with growth ambitions for over 40 years. The team understands entrepreneurship and fosters an open, sustainable and professional relationship with the management teams of the invested companies, aiming for mutual growth. With offices in Amsterdam and Düsseldorf, Holland Capital focuses on healthcare, technology, and the recently added Agrifood-Tech sector.

As an investor focused on increasing and accelerating the growth of companies, Holland Capital will support Top Systems to achieve its growth ambitions, both organically and through buy-and-build. Complementary to Top Systems, Holland Capital also acquired a stake in Hybrid Power Units (HPU), a Netherlands-based developer and installer of emergency power solutions with a focus on the off-grid market. By merging both companies, the new group will provide answers to the increasingly complex questions regarding energy storage, including the rapidly growing high-voltage battery market. Furthermore, the combination creates more strength and innovation in a growing market. Holland Capital’s investment is a real game-changer. With the support of Holland Capital, Top Systems and HPU can realize day-one synergy, accelerate growth and make batteries a more widely adopted emission-free alternative to fossil fuels.

Philip Wilms, Investment Director at Holland Capital, expressed his enthusiasm about the combination: “We see tremendous development in the battery market, and we believe that we can accelerate the transition by combining expertise and making it more widely accessible. This is a great first step, and we keep our eyes open for new strategic acquisitions.”

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in the Netherlands served as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Top Systems’ shareholders. This transaction emphasizes Oaklins’ expertise in the battery market in advising founders and private equity on monetizing industry-leading businesses. Fueled by an ever-expanding track record, with another prime recent example being the sale of Wetac to Nordian Capital, Oaklins has detailed insights in battery and energy transition sector dynamics, valuation trends, key personalities, as well as potential buyers and targets.