Award layout for magazine publishing. - Benelux Business Awards 2019 (AI Global Media)

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Benelux Business Awards 2019

SRDI sa

EaglesFly: Sports Clothing Line of the Year 2019 - Belgium - Page 16

Best International Venture Capital Specialists 2019 & Recognised Leaders in SME Investment 2019 We profile and share an insight into the company, its achievements and its ever-growing ambitions. - Page 4

Editor’s Note

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Welcome to the 2019 Benelux Business Awards EU Business News is proud to host the Benelux Enterprise Awards once again this year. Despite the looming shadow of uncertainty posed by Brexit across Europe, the individuals and group behind the successful businesses and industries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are still a beacon of economic hope and prosperity which all can benefit from.

By taking part in the Benelux Enterprise Awards, you will garner the opportunity to promote your award worthy contributions to the economic growth of your respective local, regional, national and international markets, whilst providing others with the inspiration to carry on in troubling times by reminding them that a gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.

Hannah Stevenson, Editor Phone: (+44) 0203 970 0082 Email: h.stevenson@aiglobalmedialtd.com Website: www.business-news.eu AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site.

If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions.

Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.

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Contents: 4. Ramphastos Investments: Best International Venture Capital Specialists 2019 & Recognised Leaders in SME Investment 2019 8 9

Centrale Kredietverlening NV: Best Independent Financial Institution 2019 – Belgium SRDI SA: Best International Civil Aviation Organisation 2019

10 POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE: Most Innovative Parcels & Postage Business 2019 11 Hestia Group: Best IT Managed Services Provider 2019 12 BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS: Best Home Renovation Company 2019 13 VistaLink NV: Best Pharmaceutical Machine Vision Solutions Provider 2019 14 PulseCath BV: Best Medical Device Company 2019 – Netherlands 15 Core CBRN International: Best Medical CBRN Training and Consultancy 16 EaglesFly: Sports Clothing Line of the Year 2019 - Belgium 18 OPNS: Best Automatic Content Recognition Solution 2019 20 Cybersecurity industry veteran Matthijs van der Wel to lead Nixu in the Benelux 21 myPOS Opens its First Store in Belgium

May19556

, Ramphastos Investments

Best International Venture Capital Specialists 2019 & Recognised Leaders in SME Investment 2019 Ramphastos Investments is an entrepreneurial private equity and venture capital investment firm with a strong, international track record. The firm was founded almost a quarter of a century ago and continues its ambitious global expansion with investments on all continents across a broad range of industries. To celebrate the firm winning two coveted Benelux Business Awards this year, we profile it and share an insight into the company, its achievements and its ever-growing ambitions.

Ramphastos Investments was established in 1994 by the renowned Dutch entrepreneurial investor Marcel Boekhoorn.

Boekhoorn founded the firm to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship following his successful career at Deloitte, where he became the youngest Dutch partner. In Ramphastos’ early years, Boekhoorn developed an approach to businesses building which the company still pursues today. His strategy focusses on driving revenue growth through buy-and-build strategies, internationalisation, management empowerment and strategic partnerships. Ramphastos places an emphasis on marketplace innovation and will be challenging the status quo by introducing new product portfolios, pricing and channel strategies. This strategy proved to be extremely successful: by achieving spectacular returns through a series of high-profile exits, the firm’s portfolio and it's invested capital grew exponentially within a few years.

A substantial proportion of private equity firms adopt a strategy of cutting down business costs in portfolio companies to generate greater profits. By acting as an entrepreneurial business builder that aims to grow revenue and add value to its portfolio companies, Ramphastos is set apart from much of the private equity world.

A successful turnaround strategy includes robust cost control and streamlined operations.

However, the fundamental focus at Ramphastos is to catalyse growth in market share, turnover and profit, achieved through entrepreneurial innovation and managerial support, as opposed to predominantly driving profits through slashing costs. A distinctive characteristic of Ramphastos’ acquisition strategy is, furthermore, to never buy into an enterprise without having a prospective future buyer in mind. If Ramphastos cannot

foresee an exit strategy, it does not invest. Through investing its own capital, Ramphastos does not face a pressure or obligation to sell. This enables the firm to focus on the execution of a predefined strategic value creation plan and only exit when the time is right.

Over the years, Ramphastos has successfully started and sold startups, launched IPOs, completed de-listings and achieved outsized

© M&A Awards / Alex van Groningen

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Ramphastos Investments

Š Hans Peter van Veldhoven

Contact Details Company: Ramphastos Investments Web Address: www.ramphastosinvestments.com CornĂŠ Melissen: corne@ramphastos.com

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 5

© Hans Peter van Veldhoven

average returns on investment.

Some high-profile exits include Bakker Bart, a Dutch bakery chain sold to Kamps AG; Cocachoc, sold to Suchard/Kraft Foods; Novaxess, a telecom provider sold to the BSkyB Group and Telfort, a mobile network operator sold to Royal KPN. Today, Ramphastos Investments holds interests in more than 30 companies with a cumulative turnover exceeding €5 billion. Its current portfolio comprises a wide variety of companies across a broad range of sectors, including financial and business services, retail, health care, new materials and advanced manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, real estate and energy.

In October 2018 Ramphastos announced its largest deal to date: the acquisition of the Dutch retail chain HEMA. HEMA currently employs 19,000 people, with

more than 750 stores located in nine countries and delivering an annual turnover of €1.8 billion.

The acquisition has been recognised as the most important deal of its kind within the Netherlands in the past year, and has been praised by the financial press, analysts and the general public alike. Although HEMA is considered a Dutch icon, and the company has a broad and expanding international network of stores. Boekhoorn anticipates tremendous opportunities to grow HEMA as an international brand through offering an astute product portfolio and strengthening its online presence.

Capitalizing HEMA’s international opportunities is part of a wider global approach to the business that Ramphastos has adopted over recent years. Another prime example of Ramphastos’ international approach is the creation of it's Buxeros Capital,

© Paul Ridderhof

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a public-private impact investment fund established in close cooperation with the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF).

The DGGF is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs which provides funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in The Netherlands and in emerging markets.

Buxeros Capital aims to invest in promising SMEs in emerging markets, particularly Africa and Latin America. Buxeros assess potential investments on their economic and commercial viability, as well as their social impact.

Following the Ramphastos business philosophy of active involvement with portfolio enterprises, Buxeros acts both as an investor and a business partner by providing practical assistance and access to business networks for companies with the ambition to expand in emerging markets.

Buxeros Capital invests only in SMEs that are compliant with International Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines.

It identifies companies with a strong, experienced team and scalable business model with economic and commercial viability.

Though recently established, Buxeros Capital has already invested capital in several projects in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa, with projects in Columbia and Uganda in the pipeline.

Buxeros’ investments vary from agriculture and coffee production,

to IT. Buxeros recently opened an office in South Africa in order to work in close partnership with its current investments and to source promising SMEs in Southern Africa.

Buxeros Capital exemplifies the ambitions Ramphastos Investments has for emerging markets and impact investments.

Ramphastos’ ambitions follow Boekhoorn’s personal convictions on social responsibility and his support for sustainability and environmental issues. Boekhoorn actively supports SaveWave, an organisation for the protection of endangered sea animals. He has sponsored Jimmy Nelson, the internationally acclaimed activist and photographer of indigenous cultures. Boekhoorn facilitated the adoption of two giant pandas from China by Ouwehands Zoo in 2017, and continues to make significant personal contributions to the preservation of the panda species and the conservation of its natural habitat in China.

Additionally, HEMA has announced that it will replace all disposable plastic products with sustainable alternatives over a trial period.

By tackling the plastic problem in its entirety, including both the products HEMA sells, as well as their packaging, HEMA is positioning itself as a sustainability pioneer in The Netherlands and is proving its dedication to sustainable technological, economic and social development.

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Ramphastos Investments

© M&A Awards / Alex van Groningen

Looking to the future, Ramphastos Investments has increasing international ambitions. The firm believes in a broad investment strategy which encompasses investments in SMEs and emerging markets, in addition to acquiring large, mature international companies in Europe, the United States and Latin America. Ramphastos adds value to companies by tackling tough, complex problems and working side-by-side with the management to shape and execute value creation strategies. Regardless of a company’s size, Ramphastos always offers hands-on assistance as an experienced partner whom companies can rely on to be at their side with tactical advice, talent, tools and innovations to deliver on strategies and produce exceptional results. Over the past 25 years, Ramphastos has increasingly taken on large, unique and complex investments in international companies.

Ramphastos' key to success has, however, remained consistent: focus on opportunities for growth and motivate people to focus on what they can achieve together, no matter how complicated a situation might be. This is the firm’s core approach and will remain so moving forward.

Company: Ramphastos Investments Web Address: www.ramphastosinvestments.com Corné Melissen: corne@ramphastos.com

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 7

May19532

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Contact Details Company: Centrale Kredietverlening NV Contact: Rudi Deruytter | Website: www.ckv.be

Centrale Kredietverlening NV

Best Independent Financial Institution 2019 - Belgium: Centrale Kredietverlening NV Supporting both savers and borrowers, Centrale Kredietverlening NV is an independent Belgium bank. We profile it to find out more about how it came to win one of this year’s coveted Benelux Business Awards.

Founded in 1956, Centrale Kredietverlening has since gained a reputation for being a reliable financial institution dedicated to providing borrowers and savers alike with the same exceptional standard of client service and support.

Offering traditional savings products, the bank also specialises in tailor-made solutions for mortgage-guaranteed loans, both for private and professional purposes. Working with clients across Belgium, the bank has had a presence in France since 2018 to respond to growing client demand.

Today, as a result of its constant growing global presence, the bank has around 400 million euro of mortgage-guaranteed loans issued in Belgium and France.

Working collaboratively, Centrale Kredietverlening has a wide distribution network of savings bank agents and independent lenders. Experts in niche lending, the bank has the expertise to guide clients to the best solution that will meet their specific requirements. As a result, clients receive the best rates in the industry, alongside the bank’s exceptional standard of client support.

More than 50 professional, experienced and service-oriented employees work at the bank’s headquarters, and they are all dedicated to providing clients with personal service. When they work with Centrale Kredietverlening, clients know that they are more than just an account number: they are a valued member of the family, and treated as such.

origination, loan servicing and deposit account opening. The nCino system will give Centrale Kredietverlening 360-degree access and insight into the entire customer journey and will empower the bank’s employees, providing them with additional insights that enable efficiency and flexibility to meet changing customer demands.

Seeking to build upon its already phenomenal success, moving forward Centrale Kredietverlening will continue to source and offer the best savings and borrowing options on the market currently.

This drive towards client excellence will propel the bank to even greater renown in this fastpaced, reputation-driven market.

Supervised by the National Bank of Belgium and the FSMA (Financial Services and Markets Authority), clients can rest assured that banking with Centrale Kredietverlening is safe and reliable. As a result, many companies and individuals choose to trust this experienced bank with their savings and undertake borrowing with it, knowing they will receive a combination of great rates and exemplary client service.

Recently, the bank partnered with nCino to create an agile bank operating system to enable growth and scalability. The relationship with nCino will initially focus on digitally transforming the bank’s lending and deposit account opening services, with plans to expand and evolve to meet the changing requirements of its customers. Centrale Kredietverlening has selected the nCino platform as an end-to-end solution that combines customer relationship management (CRM), customer onboarding, loan

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Rudi Deruytter © Centrale Kredietverlening NV

May19570

, SRDI SA

Best International Civil Aviation Organisation 2019: SRDI SA SRDI sa

Based in Luxemburg, SRDI SA is a consultancy company specialized in aviation security projects, ground handling security projects, perimeter security and airport support. Having recognised the firm in this year’s Benelux Business Awards we profile it to find out more.

Founded in 2004 as the consultancy part of the GTS International Holding, which has been based in Luxembourg since 1996, SRDI is able to draw on this vast industry experience to offer expert support and service to clients across the civil aviation market.

Owned by its managing Director Jean-Marc Demoulin, a senior actor in aviation security, SRDI draws on his expertise to ensure it is ahead of emerging developments in this fast-paced market. As a certified Aviation Security Professional Manager, he is able to drive the firm towards excellence and ensure its procedures are fully compliant with the latest regulations.

Contact Details Company: SRDI SA Contact: Jean-Marc Demoulin Email: info@srdi.lu Website: www.srdi.lu

SRDI sa

The company primarily bases its consultancy, integration or security program on the International Civil aviation Organization program and documents. (ICAO). The ICAO has been drafted after the second world war as Chicago convention by 54 nations to promote cooperation and “create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world.”

Through its implementation of this programme, SRDI is able to work with a range of airports and airport management companies around the world included Brussels Airports company, Velana airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

For these varied clients, SRDI is able to audit security in airport, write procedures to implement, follow the installation of electromechanical equipment and security equipment, and also design a full security concept like the deported check point on the way to airport.

Ultimately, the mission of SRDI is to guarantee a security procedure that is safe but involves the least possible hassle for passengers, airlines and airport staff. This will remain the firm’s focus moving forward as it seeks to enhance its current portfolio of clients and work with even more airports and companies throughout 2019 and further into the future.

“For these varied clients, SRDI is able to audit security in airport, write procedures to implement, follow the installation of electro-mechanical equipment and security equipment, and also design a full security concept like the deported check point on the way to airport..

SRDI draws on his expertise to ensure it is ahead of emerging developments in this fast-paced market. As a certified Aviation Security Professional Manager, Jean-Marc Demoulin is able to drive the firm towards excellence.”

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 9

May19580

, POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE

Most Innovative Parcels & Postage Business 2019 A pioneer in the delivery market, POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE is the real first online stock exchange for postal and parcel rates. To celebrate the Luxemburg based firm’s success in this year’s Benelux Business Awards we profile it and explore the revolutionary services it has to offer.

Since its launch in 2017, Postal Stock Exchange has increased its figures by more than 27% per month. This open-access database now boasts 11000 rates and 23 Postal Operators members.

Thanks to this extensive offering, the firm now boasts around 3000 visits each month from all over the world. Present in North America, Europe and soon in Asia, the POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE is the first and unique global stock exchange for postal rates, and as such it is attracting visitors from across the corporate landscape.

Operating at a unique juncture

within the parcels and ecommerce markets, the POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE communicates with post offices and delivery companies, who deliver the parcels to the end user, to ensure that it is constantly ahead of emerging market developments and able to offer clients the solutions they need in this competitive space.

Seeking to build upon the already incredible success of this revolutionary solution, moving forward the POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE is establishing a Postal Operators Network in which franchisees can access the database and establish their own branch of the network in countries

10 EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards

around the world. With 23 post offices and five franchisees (and/ or partners) already, the network is well on the way to becoming an international phenomenon. This will help the company to gain even greater global acclaim over the coming years.

Company: POSTAL STOCK EXCHANGE Name: Yannick Chevillon Address: 10/12 rue Mil neuf cent, 2157 Luxembourg Phone: +33 6 66 67 51 17 Web Address: www.postalstockexchange.com

Jun19092

, Hestia Group

Best IT Managed Services Provider 2019: Hestia Group Drawing on its vast experience in the technology and IT management markets, Hestia Group provides award-winning support and services designed to meet the needs of a variety of clients.

Celebrating the firm’s win in this year’s Benelux Business Awards we profile the firm and share an insight into the services it provides.

Supporting clients of all sizes from across the corporate landscape, Hestia is a versatile IT Managed Services Provider.

By offering a portfolio of quality services and solutions, Hestia is able to give its clients the opportunity to refocus on their core activities.

A pioneer in the industry, Hestia was the first company in Belgium to receive certification in accordance with the Managed Services Accreditation Program (MSAP) from MSPAlliance (MSPA). Currently, Hestia is still the only one in Belgium with this certification.

companies that rely on managed services providers the assurance that the service provider they are addressing meets the highest quality standards in areas such as financial stability, facilities, their activities in the field of managed services and customer satisfaction.

MSAP is the first program of its kind and has been specifically developed and developed to offer

As a MSAP Accredited firm Hestia is able to assure clients that it provides the highest

possible standard of services and that they can rely on the firm’s expert team to provide the best possible support when they need it most.

Moving forward, Hestia will remain dedicated to providing a high standard of service and support to meet the ever-evolving needs of its clients.

As part of its focus on providing an exceptional standard of client service, Hestia always tries to develop a long-term relationship with its customers and to become a trusted managed service provider.

Working collaboratively, the Hestia is supported by a range of external partners including Amazon Web Services, Dropbox and OmniTracker. These partners help the firm to ensure that their services always meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Contact Details Company: Hestia Group Contact: Nicolas Geudens Website: hestia-it.be

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 11

Jun19157

, BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS

BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS:

Best Home Renovation Company 2019 Supporting clients across Luxemburg, BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS is an award-winning construction firm dedicated to providing residential and commercial clients with the highest possible standard of service and outcomes they can be truly proud of. We profile the firm to find out more about the range of services it has to offer and how these have led it to win one of our prestigious 2019 Benelux Business Awards.

Over the years BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS has become renowned for its flexibility, innovation and, above all, results.

Whether clients are looking to create a dream home or a commercial establishment, BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS has the skills, expertise and talents to meet its clients’ specific needs and create an outcome that they will treasure for many years to come.

Multilingual and extremely talented, the firm’s team are some of the best on the market currently and can exceed any clients’ expectations, however high. With a range of award-winning team of architects, engineers, planners and builders and administrative staff, the firm can assure clients that their project is in good hands.

Contact Details BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS Contact: Brigitte Tavares Website: britaconstructions.com

Thanks to this innovative and dedicated team of experts, every aspect of a project can be undertaken by BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS, from masonry, screeds, plaster and false ceilings through to tiling, granite, paintings and landscaping, extensions, transformations, parquet and entrances. As such, clients need look no further when they are seeking a partner for their renovation and construction project.

To ensure a hassle-free experience for every client, the firm communicates with them throughout the project, and offers a free quote for all work so that clients can understand the costings involved before they commit. This dedication to transparency and client service is what sets the firm apart from its competitors and marks it out as the best possible option for a wide range of clients.

Instagram: BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS

© BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS

Looking to the future, BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS will remain deeply committed to providing its valued clients with the same exceptional standards of service that they have come to rely on from this innovative company. © BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS

© BRITA CONSTRUCTIONS

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Jun19163

, VistaLink NV

Best Pharmaceutical Machine Vision Solutions Provider 2019 Based in Belgium, VistaLink is a specialized machine vision system integrator. We profile the firm to find out more about the services it has to offer and how it came to win one of our prestigious 2019 Benelux Business Awards.

With over 30 years experience, VistaLink is a machine vision system integrator with more than 25 years of experience in the field of industrial image processing using vision technology.

Since its inception VistaLink has acquired extensive knowledge having served customers across multiple industries including automotive, pharmaceutical, medical devices, cosmetic and logistics and distribution. As well as supplying turn-key solutions, VistaLink has provided solutions to reoccurring customer challenges.

Today, the firm now counts some of the world’s largest brands among its key clients and has supported them successfully across Europe for many years.

Utilizing the latest developments in machine vison technology, VistaLink is able to deliver custom solutions to end customers, machine builders and OEM’s in regulated industries.

Thanks to its cutting-edge facilities and dedicated team of experts, the firm is able to provide quality inspection, track and trace solutions and vision guided robotics to secure its clients’ supply chain in a validated way.

Headquartered in Belgium and with strategic locations across Europe, VistaLink is able to provide both local and international support to its valued clients.

This is particularly vital to the firm, which prides itself on providing an exceptional standard of service to its clients. Alongside its international reach, the firm can offer the services of a highly experienced team of engineers, first class support throughout projects and the comfort of working in any of six major languages.

“VistaLink NV prides itself on providing an exceptional standard of service to its clients.”

Overall, VistaLink has proved its dedication to innovation and quality through its work over the years, and looking to the future the firm will continue to strive towards excellence for each and every client it has the privilege to serve.

“Headquartered in Belgium and with strategic locations across Europe, VistaLink is able to provide both local and international support.”

Contact Details Company: VistaLink NV | Contact: Stephane Van hoof Website: vistalink.eu

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 13

Jun19291

, PulseCath BV

Best Medical Device Company 2019 - Netherlands: PulseCath BV PulseCath BV. is a Netherlands based medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets circulatory support systems. Having recognised the firm in this year’s Benelux Business Awards we profile it to learn more about its award-winning solutions.

Founded in 2007, PulseCath has developed a unique and proprietary platform technology providing short-term circulatory support systems for cardiologists and cardiac surgeons.

sustaining pumping functions of a failing heart. Currently, the firm has a presence in 24 markets around the world, predominantly in Europe, providing its awardwinning technology to a variety of healthcare clients across these markets.

Since inception, the firm focuses on developing and marketing ground-breaking technologies designed to assist the life

But the future is even brighter, as PulseCath currently has two new products in the development pipeline. The first one, available

in the short run, is a smaller profile catheter, less than 16 Fr., combined with pressure and flow sensors. The second pipeline product is 14 Fr. catheter, capable of pumping 4 liters of blood per minute in a synchronized pulsatile way. Additionally, the firm is preparing an application for FDA approval in 2020 to expand to the US market and to offer its solutions to even more clients around the world.

As it moves forward through these developments, PulseCath is working towards realising its ambitious vision: to become a global leader in the market of mechanical pulsatile circulatory support devices as the first choice short-term assist for the failing heart.

Contact Details Company: PulseCath BV Name: Oren Malchin Address: Nieuwe stationsstraat 20 Arnhem NL Phone: +31620773910 Web Address: pulsecath.com

Š PulseCath BV

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Š PulseCath BV

Jun19061

, Core CBRN International

Core CBRN International: Best Medical CBRN Training and Consultancy Based in The Hague, The Netherlands, Core CBRN International is an independent company offering advanced, comprehensive Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear solutions to government agencies, private security contractors, multinational corporations, international organizations and non-government organizations. We profile the firm to find out more about the solutions it provides.

Drawing on extensive experience in this niche market, Core CBRN International is a training and consultancy company with unique field experience in CBRN.

healthcare organisations around the world are increasingly seeking expert partners to provide them with the knowledge and insight to prevent, prepare for, respond and mitigate the consequences of CBRN threats.

Standing for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence, CBRN attacks are uncommon, but when they do happen they can be devastating. Healthcare leaders, Hospital Emergency Response Teams, and Emergency Medical Services must develop, train and exercise their CBRN emergencyresponse plans.

Unique to the market, Core CBRN International is one of the few companies in the world with medical experts who have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects of chemical weapon attacks on civilians.

They draw on this experience to educate and help defence agencies to better protect their local communities against CBRN terrorism. The firm’s expert team provides a range of consultancy and capacity building services to professionals around the world

In most cases they will have no alternative but to base their decision while trying to imagine what the impact of these attacks will be and how they will affect their organisations. As such,

whose role is to stand ready to protect and respond when terrorist attacks involving CBRN agents occur.

Through their interdisciplinary approach, Core CBRN International is able to combine unique CBRN experience with in-depth scientific knowledge to bring innovative and practical solutions to the client. The firm aims to offer its clients the very best solutions and services, including the Live Agent Experience.

Among the CBRN community the Live Agent Experience is widely acknowledged as the gold standard for CBRN training because it gives participants a ‘reality compass’ with many referring to it as a defining moment in their career. © Core CBRN International

Seeking to offer cutting-edge support and service, Core CBRN International brings the Live Agent Experience to healthcare professionals. The insight that clients gain from this advanced program, by experiencing toxic chemical warfare agents in field conditions makes for a better disaster manager and a true leader in times of crisis. This means that such incidents may be recognized, treated, and reported earlier so that the follow on response to the threat is expedited and mitigated efficiently.

Ultimately, Core CBRN International is set to continue to strive towards preparing the leading world’s healthcare organisations for CBRN attacks and ensuring they are as ready as possible for whatever the future may hold.

Company: Core CBRN International Contact: David Cefai Website: corecbrn.com

General Manager Ivan Cululejic (Left) and CEO David Cefai (right)

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 15

Jun19278

Sports Clothing Line of the Year 2019 - Belgium Sportwear you can trust!

Whether you're a sports fan or a professional, we have it all!

"EaglesFly - Where Nothing goes unnoticed" Find out more: be.linkedin.com/in/olivier-kiwobo

Š EaglesFly, (left) Kiwobo Kakesa Olivier 16 EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards

Sports clothing line, we stock shirts to hats..

We have it all.

Company: EaglesFly Contact: Kiwobo Kakesa Olivier Phone: 00 3249 39131 72

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 17

Jun19389

, OPNS

Best Automatic Content Recognition Solution 2019 For more than 30 years OPNS has been providing cuttingedge software and consultancy services to clients across the broadcasting market. We profile the firm to find out more about how it came to be awarded one of our prestigious 2019 Benelux Business Awards.

Founded in 1989, OPNS is a Benelux entity that occupies around 30 people and has activities in Belgium, Luxembourg, the north of France and also in the Middle East.

Among the firm’s innovative solutions is its unique SoundID, a solution that is based on audio fingerprinting technology and is the result of more than eight years of research and development. SoundID is a powerful automatic content recognition (ACR) platform specially designed for broadcast monitoring.

SoundID, result of years of development is able to create for each sound and video, a unique identifier through a complex mathematical framework based on fingerprinting technology.

“Among the firm’s innovative solutions is its unique SoundID, a solution that is based on audio fingerprinting technology and is the result of more than eight years of research and development.”

The key in content recognition is the accuracy of results. Alternate technologies typically cap on 90% accuracy in the best situation. Thanks to their own algorithms and the output combination of multiple expert (and auto-learning) processes, the solution can reach perfection or, to stay on the safe side, commit to +99% of recognition of fingerprinted source items inside broadcast streams.

Based on noise resistant fingerprint comparison methods, it delivers content recognition able to generate effective broadcast playlists on any type of content such as ad spots, music, jingles, fillers, interviews, and to produce related reports and statistics (e.g. quota validation, broadcast certificate).

It also provides content discovery by fingerprint pattern recurrences to detect any unknown content item from competitor’s streams.

Another business use of our technology is the effective audience measurement based on fingerprints dynamically generated on smartphones from a panel of volunteers.

It can even be used to trigger actions on content recognition events to cover the so-called device sync.

They differentiate themself from others by offering: • best accuracy recognition levels • high performance • almost no duration constraints (upper or lower) on content to recognize • recurrent pattern recognition adding, to the recognition dimension, discovery

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•

•

• •

capabilities needed in the case of competition analysis highly modular architecture allowing to distribute the different processes (cpu intensive, storage I/O intensive, network intensive) on best designed/ optimised systems possible one-stop shopping by combining SoundID with our mature Audiospy (multi-channel, multi-format) recorder on-premise or cloud-based offering pure software, licensing based on perpetual licenses or subscriptions, or project-based licensing

Main market needs fulfilled are: • Accurate and time-stamped broadcast confirmation (needed for advertisers, copyright/author rights management companies, media sales departments) • Automatic Competition analysis (for program managers, sales managers, marketing managers) • Quota validation for control authorities (based on recognized items metadata: e.g. language, year of production, style and based on integrated speech/music analysis) • Effective radio audience measurement from panels (accurate results and ease of use for the panel volunteers compared to manual declaration).

• Content database deduplication (for technical managers to clean up and compact their repositories).

SoundID is one product of the broadcast family. OPNS delivers also other solutions such as DigiPlan which optimises the commercial spot schedule for single radio

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OPNS

to complex radio network environment.

CastLan, the radio broadcast and automation system based on redundant modules which aims to ensure the broadcast of multi-channel playlists and AudioSpy. A scalable full digital audio logging system able to record and archive multiple streams for permanent and continuous storage on a recycling base.

Over the past year OPNS has been working to better communicate and open new markets.

As such, the firm is reinvesting revenues to stay at the edge of the technology. OPNS has a very flexible approach to respond to specific customer requests and integrate the new features into main commercial products while almost keeping the agility of custom development.

Looking ahead, SoundID has an exponential growth potential and is just at the start of international expansion. SoundID is a tool to protect the right of every member of the broadcast chain from artist, to production houses, labels, broadcasters, advertisers, SoundID is also available to partners in white label mode or though API, in the cloud or on premise.

Ultimately, its innovative approach combined with the success of its existing solutions will drive OPNS to even greater success over the coming years as the firm works to grow and prosper in this ever-growing market.

Company: OPNS Contact: Jennifer Matthys Website: http://broadcast.opns.net

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 19

Jun19291

, Cybersecurity industry veteran Matthijs van der Wel to lead Nixu in the Benelux

Cybersecurity industry veteran Matthijs van der Wel to lead Nixu in the Benelux European cybersecurity services company, Nixu, has appointed Mr. Matthijs van der Wel as Market Area Leader Benelux to lead the operations and further growth of Nixu in the region.

Nixu started operations in the Benelux market by establishing a subsidiary in the Netherlands in 2016. Since entering the market, Nixu has focused on recruiting the best talent and building its market presence in the advanced Benelux cybersecurity market.

In 2017, Nixu further intensified its local presence and widened its service offering and client base by joining forces with Amsterdam headquartered Expert Solution Support Center BV. Matthijs van der Wel has been appointed Market Area Leader Benelux. The goal is to gain a market position as go-to partner of holistic cybersecurity services for the local enterprises.

Matthijs has nearly 20 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry and a track record in building and developing cybersecurity organizations. Prior to joining Nixu, Matthijs served at Fox-IT, at Booking.com as a Corporate Security Officer, and latest held the role of Director Cyber Forensics at PwC in the Netherlands, being well associated across Europe.

Nixu’s CEO Petri Kairinen commented: “We have, in a short period, managed to build up a reputation among Benelux clients as a trusted and talented source of cybersecurity & digital identity expertise. I want to thank prior

market leader Patrick van der Valk for building this bridgehead for us. Now we are moving into the next phase, where Nixu will provide Benelux clients a full portfolio of services as a true cybersecurity partner – always with the local knowhow and talent at hand.”

Kairinen continued “I am delighted to have Matthijs van der Wel onboard. Supported by his long and broad experience in cybersecurity, supplemented with his people leadership skills, I am convinced we can continue to become the best workplace for cybersecurity professionals and the go-to partner for clients locally.”

Matthijs van der Wel, Market Area Leader Benelux: “While digitalization continues to boom and cyber threats that are constantly evolving, cybersecurity is more important than ever. I’m excited to be part of the Nixu family and look forward to working with the talented cybersecurity team, provide our clients with high-quality and holistic cybersecurity services, and contribute to the further growth of the organization”.

20 EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards

Jun19061

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myPOS Opens its First Store in Belgium myPOS, a leading European payments provider, opens a store in Antwerp, Belgium, four years after introducing the omni-channel payment solution for small businesses in the country. The payments provider is strengthening its presence in Belgium and getting closer to its customers. myPOS Europe Ltd is a payments provider and processor. Its innovative package includes a mobile POS device, free myPOS account with business VISA card and access to additional merchant services.

"We are very pleased to be offering Belgian SMEs and it's independent professionals a reliable, modern and flexible alternative to the existing business payment solutions.‘’ – says Christo Georgiev, founder of myPOS - ‘’With it, they can accept not only all popular credit and debit cards, but also

Belgium’s favourite payment method - Bancontact Payconiq at special rates." myPOS offers freelancers, solo merchants and SMEs a complete solution that enables them to accept and process electronic payments. It does not only translate into offering multifunctional POS terminals at super-affordable prices (from € 29 to € 349), but also providing a free multi-currency account combined with a business debit card and, most importantly, real-time transaction processing, which makes payments instantly available in the account!

Located in the heart of the port city, the first myPOS store in Belgium will serve as a showcase and point of contact for local customers and partners and provide them with support, the latest payment innovations available and many value-added services. This will allow them to take - and stay - one step ahead of their competitors!

Irfan Rasmally, myPOS Executive Director, comments: "Antwerp confirms its position as the epicentre of business and investment in Flanders. It is therefore logical for myPOS to be operational in this exciting city, where, historically, we have had customers since 2015."

EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2019 Benelux Business Awards 21

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