With the acquisition of GMI Group, ESC Group becomes one of the largest Microsoft Dynamics 365 partners in Belgium and the Netherlands, surpassing 550 employees.
With the acquisition of GMI Group, ESC Group becomes one of the largest Microsoft Dynamics 365 partners in Belgium and the Netherlands, surpassing 550 employees.
ESC Group is reinforcing its position as a leader in business applications, modern workplace solutions, AI, and e-business. Earlier this year, the group also onboarded two other Microsoft partners in the Netherlands, further strengthening its foothold in the region.
GMI Group Joins ESC Group
GMI Group is a leading player in Microsoft Cloud business applications. Founded by entrepreneurs Koen Van de Vel and Ludo Van Baelen, who pioneered Navision Software (now Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central) in Belgium, GMI has built a reputation as an expert in ERP, CRM, DMS & Digital Collaboration, Document Handling, e-commerce, and BI. GMI’s solutions serve critical industries like finance, trade, logistics, manufacturing, and construction.
“Since 2005, our mission has been to deliver maximum value to our customers. Today, businesses expect a customer experience that goes beyond just technology implementation. Joining ESC Group gives us the scale to meet those demands for innovation, adoption, and strategic advice,” explains Ludo Van Baelen, Managing Director of GMI Group.
Jan Hofman, CEO of ESC Group, adds: “Every day, our people go ‘above and beyond’ to create positive impact through technology. This shared passion for delivering real business value is what connects us with GMI Group. Their expertise in migration and modernization—transitioning from on-premise solutions to the cloud—aligns perfectly with our cloud-focused strategy.”
Koen Van de Vel, Managing Director of GMI Group, emphasizes: “To ensure continuity and innovation for our proprietary IP and create even more value for our customers, this partnership is the right move. It also provides tremendous growth opportunities, work-life balance, and challenges for every GMI employee within the ESC Group.”
A European Challenger in IT and Business Applications
This acquisition aligns with ESC Group’s strategy to partner with industry leaders like GMI and position itself as a European challenger in IT and business applications. Customers can now rely on even deeper expertise in Microsoft technologies, such as Dynamics 365 CRM, Business Central, Copilot, Power BI, SharePoint, and Microsoft 365, as well as Exact ERP software, proprietary solutions, e-business, cybersecurity, IT management, and AI.
The current managing directors of GMI Group, Koen Van de Vel and Ludo Van Baelen, will remain shareholders in the ESC Group and continue to play active roles in GMI’s daily operations.
About ESC Group
ESC Group empowers businesses to unlock their full potential through smart business applications, modern workplace technology, and e-business solutions. Offering strategic advice, expert implementation, and ongoing support, ESC Group consists of Advisie, ESC bv, Net IT, Logic Vision, DynamicHands, and GMI Group. Recognized as a respected and certified partner by both Microsoft and Exact, ESC leads the way in digital transformation.
Backed by Capital A—a private equity firm active in Belgium and the Netherlands—ESC leverages its resources and expertise to meet the ever-growing demand for smart software and IT specialists.
About GMI Group
GMI Group provides software and services to companies seeking to automate critical business processes. Their expertise spans ERP, CRM, DMS, ECM, and BI. Using their integrated 4D Solution Concept, GMI helps businesses realize their full potential.
With over 400 clients, ranging from SMEs to multinationals, GMI operates internationally from two offices in Oevel (Westerlo) and Gent (Zwijnaarde) with a team of 105 dedicated professionals.