Gimv-backed Quality Guard Acquires Kooklin to Expand Food Safety Software in Europe

Quality Guard, headquartered in Roeselare, Belgium and backed by the Belgian private equity Gimv, has acquired Kooklin, a French software company specializing in digital solutions for food safety and HACCP management. Announced on June 2, 2026, the acquisition marks a significant step in Quality Guard’s international expansion, particularly in the French market, one of Europe’s largest foodservice and hospitality sectors.

While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the deal follows Quality Guard’s recent partnership with investment firm Gimv, which became a strategic investor in November 2025. This acquisition is the second since Gimv’s involvement, underscoring a clear growth trajectory through both organic development and targeted acquisitions.

Quality Guard provides software that automates food safety, allergen management, traceability, and HACCP compliance processes for over 9,000 customers across Europe. Its client base spans hospitality businesses, supermarkets, bakeries, butcher shops, catering companies, food producers, healthcare institutions, and hospitals. Kooklin complements this portfolio with a strong presence in France and a loyal customer base, offering digital food safety and HACCP management solutions.

Achile Van Gierdegom, CEO of Quality Guard, states, “With Kooklin, we are taking an important step in our European growth strategy. France is a key market for us. We share the same vision as Kooklin: making food safety simpler, more efficient and scalable through technology. Together, we will be able to support customers even better in a sector that is rapidly digitising.”

The acquisition aligns with broader industry trends where stricter food safety regulations and increasing operational complexity drive demand for automated compliance solutions. Despite this, many organizations still rely on manual, paper-based processes, creating a structural growth opportunity for digital platforms like those offered by Quality Guard and Kooklin.

Strategically, the deal enables Quality Guard to leverage Kooklin’s established French customer base to cross-sell its solutions and expand Kooklin’s products across other European markets. Operational synergies include consolidating administrative functions, streamlining research and development, and integrating complementary technology platforms to enhance product offerings and customer service.

Market consolidation is accelerating in the European food safety software sector, with Quality Guard and Gimv aiming to establish a leading position. The companies plan to continue developing technological innovations and expanding their footprint across fragmented markets.

Integration challenges include aligning product development roadmaps, harmonizing regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and managing cultural differences between the Belgian and French teams. Maintaining customer satisfaction during the transition remains a priority.

Looking ahead, Quality Guard intends to capitalize on this acquisition to accelerate growth, improve scalability, and strengthen its competitive position in Europe’s evolving food safety software market.