There’s been a management buy-out at Belgian language company ElaN Languages. CEO Robrecht Beliën has acquired shares from Wim Vanschooren and Peter Vaes, the company’s founders, and fellow shareholder Patrick Simons. This means that Robrecht Beliën and his father Louis Beliën now own ElaN Languages in full. The transaction was successfully concluded on 30 March of this year.

ElaN Languages was founded in 1990 by Wim Vanschooren and brothers Peter and Eric Vaes to supply translations, language training courses, and interpreting for the business world.

Today, the company is a leading player in the language business, with 35 full-time employees, 2,000 freelancers, and a turnover of no less than 7.5 million euros. ElaN Languages’ headquarters are in Heusden-Zolder and it has branches in Louvain-la-Neuve and Brussels.

“This acquisition will guarantee the company’s continuity,” says CEO Robrecht Beliën, who wants to continue the company’s successful policies together with the current management team.

Ambitious plans for growth

Robrecht Beliën has high expectations for the company’s excellent future.

“Customers and consumers are increasingly looking for online solutions to their language questions. We have been using our online platform and other smart digital tools to take advantage of this since 2012. Our language assistance is just a click away and that’s already been successful here in Belgium. By resolutely going digital, we are convinced that we can also become an important player in the Netherlands and continue to grow in Wallonia. A strategic plan has already been rolled out. Our ambition is to double the turnover within five years already.”

Wim Vanschooren and Peter Vaes will stay on board for now, to assist in a transition period before leaving ElaN Languages. Robrecht Beliën: “I’m grateful for Wim and Peter, who put ElaN on the map with their constantly innovative initiatives. This drive to innovate is in ElaN’s DNA and we’ll definitely continue along this course.”

For more information:

Robrecht Beliën | CEO ElaN Languages

+32 (0) 486 84 11 55 | robrechtbelien@elanlanguages.com