aimXcelerate is a direct path for ambitious managers to owning & managing a SME..
It is the program's mission to accelerate the entrepreneurial journey of high-potential managers through targeted acquisitio

We offer experienced intrapreneurs/managers a structured opportunity to acquire,, manage  and grow a private companysupported by powerful in-house experts.

Joining forces

We focus on mutual benefit  and growth. Our Xcelerate program carefully selects talented individuals with the ambition and competences to grow a business.

Working with us, you can rely on acquisition support, dedicated time and capital resources  in your pursuit to owning and managing an SME..

We offer business owners an elegant succession solution , handing over their business to aspiring entrepreneurs with the strong support of aim , ready to further professionalize and grow. 

Post-transaction

aim.group offers fully fledged finance (M&A and CFO-services including accounting A-Z), strategy & people support, allowing the manager to focus on the core business operations. aimXcelerate - a structured path towards entrepreneurship.

Together we install a board of directors  with external members, to operate in a professional and best-in-class governance framework.

SELECTION & ACQUISITION

aimXcelerate - a structured path towards entrepreneurship

Application


 

Start with expressing your interest by sending an email to hello@aim.group (candidates should be prepared to submit their CV, a cover letter and any information that is relevant to your search industry & sectors).

 

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Outlining our philosophy


 

Candidates receive feedback on whether or not they are invited for a face-to-face meeting at the aim offices. In this session, we are happy to further introduce the Candidate to aim (history, achievements, ambitions), discuss the Candidate’s professional background & motivation and take a deep-dive into our aim-manager philosophy.

 

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Get to know our Team

 

In this next stage, qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with our acquisition team. Candidates are asked to present themselves and their desired ‘search universe’ (geographical focus, industry/sector, possible existing leads or comparable businesses). The candidate will be invited to elaborate on how their experience, background and network can be of value in the anticipated search.

 

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Define your search strategy


 

If cleared by our CEO, the candidate and our dedicated M&A team jointly refine and narrow the search scope. Subsequently, we calibrate our search strategy towards identifying suitable targets. In an ongoing dialogue, the M&A team then starts its search for opportunities in the market, unburdening the manager with this critical but time-consuming task.

 

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Progress towards a signed LOI


 

Once targets are identified, we approach them and actively engage in discussions towards signing a Letter of Intent (LOI). Throughout this process, we get to know each other further and we invite you to an assessment center to formally map the complementarity and cultural fit between yourself and aim.

 

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Closing the deal

 

Once the LOI is signed, due diligence is performed on the target, with the manager focusing on operational/commercial aspects while aim focus on the financial, social, and legal aspects. Supported by its experience and strong relations with banks, aim arranges optimal deal structuring terms and draws up the necessary contracts between shareholders.

 

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Post-transaction


 

After the closing, you become the face of the company and take on daily leadership, with aim providing support in areas such as finance (full accounting services, CFO services, ad-hoc M&A services), strategy (CEO sounding board, development of a five-year plan, establishment of an advisory board), and people (positioning and expanding the internal team to enable growth).

 

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Organic & anorganic growth


 

In a genuine partnership, we work together for a defined period of 5 years with the goal of extending our partnership with successive periods of 5 years. The ultimate goal is to jointly write a beautiful continuation to the story of the acquired company. It is important to highlight that aim operates with a ‘buy-and-grow’ strategy, with a long-term investment horizon and without a proposed exit.

 

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Where we invest in

We have a wide range of interests, but we use a few criteria to keep us on the right track. 

Company Sector Manager
Location

Belgium and the Netherlands, satellite offices may be considered.

Positive cash flow

EBIT(DA) range between 500k and 1,500k EUR (no fixed threshold)

Dealscope

Preference to jointly acquire 100% of the shares. 

Possibility for

Operational improvement / revenue growth.

Segment

B2B, in a stable/ growing market

Niche

Activities with high entry barriers

Business model

Services

Out of scope

Manufacturing & construction

Determined

Define 1 to 3 target industries / sectors

Experienced

3+ years of relevant experience in the industry

People skilled

Proven experience in managing teams

Entrepreneurial

Growth mindset & clear P&L focus

Meet Your Predecessors

Don't just take our word for it—here's what our AIM managers have to say: 

Thanks to aim, I can focus entirely on what really matters: continuing to grow our wonderful company through entrepreneurship (we’re now active outside Belgium, with locations in the UK and the US).  
Stijn Uitterhaeghen

Vandapower

As a complementary team, we spent two years looking for a logistics company to acquire. It was an intensive process that led to a successful outcome. Perseverance pays off!
Willem De Pesseroey

VM Logistics

Our current portfolio      |

Frequently asked questions

I don’t have any M&A experience, will I be supported by aim in this regard?

Sure! Our dedicated M&A team will support and mentor you during the acquisition process from A-Z.

Do aim-managers compete for deals?

No, since each of our Managers are focused on specific industries and geographies, they do not compete for acquisition opportunities.

What are the key requirements to become an aim-manager?

We partner with highly motivated individuals who have proven operational track records in their target industries. Some key characteristics of successful managers include strong determination and work ethic, highly developed interpersonal and commercial skills, and the ability to execute and implement.

What are aim’s target geographies?

For the time being aim is focused specifically on Belgium and the Netherlands. Although we do have operations and physical locations in the UK and the US, we are focused on companies headquarted in Belgium and the Netherlands.

What are the economics for aim managers?

Post acquisition, aim-managers receive attractive compensation for their role as CEO and reap the financial benefits as co-shareholder given they acquire (up to) 20% of the shares at the time of acquisition.

Can I keep my current job while being part of the aimXcelerate programme?

Yes! Although this is an intensive search process, the aim team will be in the driving seat. When needed, we obviously expect a flexible schedule, but there is no need to quit your current job. This also immediately reduces your risk significantly.

Sounds interesting?

Get in touch through hello@aim.group or +32 491 74 60 54 !