SLBdiensten has been acquired by the management team

May 2014 — The management of SLBdiensten, the market leader in the distribution of mainly generic software licences to schools, has acquired a 20% stake in the company. Financial details have not been disclosed.

SLBdiensten, based in the Netherlands, is the absolute market leader in the distribution of mainly generic software licences to secondary and vocational schools in the Netherlands. The company’s business model results in significant cost savings for schools as SLBdiensten is able to successfully negotiate complex license agreements with global software vendors like Microsoft and Adobe. While providing a clear value proposition for schools, SLBdiensten also adds true value for software vendors as license management is highly complex in the Dutch education market.

Operating in a market with an increasing demand for ICT-based solutions, SLBdiensten is optimally positioned for further growth by being one of the few companies with a deep understanding of the educational software market and a track record of over two decades.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins' team in the Netherlands advised the seller in this transaction. The shareholder wanted to find a strategic buyer for the company. However, the management of the company was informed about the sale process and indicated that they would like to participate as well. Therefore, an MBO option was investigated, which ultimately succeeded without the support of a private equity firm.