QNP, an established ICT firm headquartered in Breda and part of Techone which is backed by U.S. private equity KKR, has completed the acquisition of Aucuba Automatisering, another Breda-based ICT service provider. The deal consolidates two geographically close companies, located just a few hundred meters apart, into a single entity aimed at enhancing service offerings for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
While financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition involves a full 100% stake transfer, with Aucuba Automatisering set to be fully integrated into QNP’s operations. The move is positioned as a strategic step to combine expertise, personnel, and resources, thereby strengthening QNP’s market position in Breda and its surrounding areas.
Aucuba Automatisering has been active for more than 25 years, specializing in ICT management, maintenance, and support services tailored to SMEs. The company emphasizes personal service and secure, reliable ICT solutions, supporting local organizations from its Breda base. QNP shares a similar customer focus and service philosophy, making the acquisition a natural fit.
Maarten Legius, director of QNP, highlights the strategic rationale: “With Aucuba, we bring in an experienced ICT organization that values personal contact and long-term client relationships as much as we do. Having operated just a stone’s throw from each other for years, this step allows us to combine our knowledge, people, and services to better support our regional customers.”
For Aucuba’s clients, continuity remains a priority. Existing services and support will continue uninterrupted, with customers expected to benefit over time from QNP’s broader expertise and capabilities. Mark Vissers, currently Aucuba’s technical director, will remain involved post-acquisition, ensuring a smooth transition. Meanwhile, Wouter Nouwens, Aucuba’s founder and general director, will step down following the handover, marking the end of his 25-year tenure building the company into a recognized ICT partner for SMEs in Breda and beyond.
Wouter Nouwens expressed confidence in the future: “After more than 25 years of building Aucuba, this is a significant moment. We have always prioritized personal service and lasting client relationships. In QNP, we have found a partner that shares these values and can help Aucuba grow further. This gives me great confidence in the future for our customers and colleagues.”
The integration will create a unified team combining knowledge, experience, and service delivery. For QNP, the acquisition represents a strategic enhancement of its service portfolio and regional footprint, reinforcing its position as a leading ICT partner for SMEs in Breda.
Industry observers note that this consolidation reflects broader trends in the SME ICT services market, where scale and comprehensive offerings are increasingly important. By merging, QNP and Aucuba can leverage operational synergies such as streamlined administration, shared technical expertise, and standardized processes, while expanding cross-selling opportunities within their combined customer base.
Challenges ahead include ensuring cultural alignment between the two organizations, retaining key technical staff, and maintaining service continuity during integration. However, the geographic proximity and shared values between QNP and Aucuba are expected to facilitate a smooth transition.
Looking forward, QNP aims to capitalize on the expanded capabilities to attract new SME clients and deepen relationships with existing customers. The acquisition also positions QNP to better compete in the Breda ICT market, where competitors may respond with similar consolidation efforts or enhanced customer engagement strategies.
Overall, the deal marks a significant step in QNP’s growth strategy, combining two well-established local players to deliver more comprehensive, secure, and personalized ICT solutions to SMEs in the region.
