SOFINDEV Corporate At Work 002 2 | Sofindev

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I3 | Sofindev

i3 Group is an international group that operates as a supplier of equipment and technology for school classes and meeting rooms, with the aim of making them interactive, integrated and inspiring. i3 Group, formerly Vanerum Group, has a long history as importer and producer of blackboards and school furniture in the Belgian market under the brand name Vanerum. The group was also a pioneer of technology products for schools in the Benelux, as an importer of Smart's interactive whiteboard.

In 2012, Gert Van Erum, son of the founder of the group, enters into a partnership with Sofindev. In 2013, the group launched its own line of technology products developed under the brand name i3 and is continuing its international expansion today.

i3 Group today consists of three divisions. The first division i3 Solutions supplies schools in the Benelux with proprietary furniture and products from the other two divisions: i3 VCP and i3 Technologies. i3 VCP manufactures and sells boards and other visual communication products, and i3 Technologies develops and sells technology products worldwide (interactive LCD screens, boards, projectors and accompanying software solutions). In 2017, Sofindev sold its stake to Gert Van Erum, who became a 100% shareholder in the group again.

I3 Touch P Series 2 | Sofindev
Microtherm 2 | Sofindev

Microtherm has been active for more than 40 years in the production of high-quality thermal insulation materials based on microporous silica. As a manufacturer of a wide range of products, which are often tailor-made, Microtherm Engineered Solutions offers ready-made solutions for its customers. Microtherm has offices in Belgium, Japan and the United States and employs more than 200 people. Microtherm was sold in 2010 to Promat International, the specialist in passive fire protection and high temperature insulation within the Etex group.

Since 1937, Bureau M.F.J Bockstael N.V. specialises in intellectual property rights including patents, brands and models. The mission of Bureau MFJ Bockstael is to establish a long-term relationship both with small and medium-sized enterprises and large companies and to build and defend their IP portfolio in an effective and correct manner, thus protecting their innovations. Based on their know-how, they assist their clients in applying for various patents, brands and models, both nationally and internationally. In 2008, Sofindev sold its stake to the management in the context of a management buyout.

Bockstael 4 | Sofindev
Paprika 2 | Sofindev

Cassis is a women's clothing chain of Belgian origin, founded by Belgian fashion entrepreneur Jacques Hayez in 1992. In 2003, he and Fabienne Bulteel founded the Paprika brand, with a strong focus on clothing for plus-sized women. At the head office in Woutersbrakel, the designers of Cassis and Paprika design colorful collections that are preferably manufactured in Europe.

In 2008, Mitiska and Sofindev entered the capital of Cassis and Paprika to support the growth, digitisation and international development of both retail chains. Since 2008, a strong effort has been made to expand the shopping network in Belgium and an international e-shop was launched in 2012. From 2013 onwards, the first stores in France opened, followed by a further international expansion in the Netherlands and Germany. In 2019, Sofindev sold its stake to co-investor Mitiska.

Sinelco supplies wholesalers with professional equipment for hairdressers and beauticians. This includes a wide range of more than 3,000 items designed and conceived in Belgium, while manufacturing has been outsourced to subcontractors in the Far East, especially China, Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam. Sinelco's customers are wholesalers, who supply the more than 750,000 hairdressers in all countries of Europe as an intermediary.

Sinelco is the market leader in Europe through a network of its own sales offices in the Benelux, France, Spain and Italy and through a network of agents in various countries, both in Western and Eastern Europe. In 2009, Sofindev realised its stake in Sinelco and the company was acquired by the US-listed group Sally Beauty Holdings.

Sinelco 3 | Sofindev

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SOFINDEV Corporate At Work 022 | Sofindev