Erna Vandeplas

BMI-SBI is an active, medium- to long-term manager which invests across sectors in medium-sized Belgian companies which have already developed activities abroad or which are in the initial stages of their international expansion. Their activities are oriented towards financing the creation of new joint ventures or subsidiaries worldwide and the acquisition, restructuring and development of existing companies. The firm seeks to invest EUR 0.5-2.5 million in Belgian companies with high growth potential which are often leaders in their sector, taking minority stakes and a seat on the investee company's board of directors. They partner with management, respecting their managerial independence and providing assistance including feasibility studies, identification of partners and long-term sources of financing and co-financing facilities from the European Union and use of their legal department's expertise. BMI-SBI can assist Belgian companies in applying for financial support from governmental (federal/regional) or supranational entities. They generally hold an investment for five to ten years.