Towerbrook-backed Boer & Croon Acquires Harborn to Expand Digital and AI Capabilities

Boer & Croon, a leading management consulting and interim management firm which is part of EPSA, which is backed by the private equity branch of Towerbrook, RAISE Invest and Capza, has acquired Harborn, a Rotterdam-based digital agency specializing in high-quality digital solutions and AI. This strategic acquisition aims to extend Boer & Croon’s capabilities from strategic advisory to hands-on digital and AI execution.

The acquisition brings the combined group’s workforce to over 300 professionals and includes the launch of a dedicated AI Hub within Harborn. Supported by international investments from the EPSA group, this hub will focus on delivering practical solutions for complex AI challenges, enabling Boer & Croon to manage digital transformations end-to-end—from boardroom strategy to product development.

Harborn, founded in 1999 by Jeroen Soeterbroek, will continue to operate as a standalone entity under its existing brand and leadership. The agency is recognized for its technical excellence and innovation, recently achieving high rankings in the Emerce 100 and earning nominations for the Dutch Interactive Awards 2026.

Boer & Croon’s acquisition also marks its physical expansion into Rotterdam, complementing its existing offices in Amsterdam-Zuidoost and Groningen. This geographic growth supports the firm’s ambition to deepen its digital and AI service offerings across the Netherlands.

“Digitalization and AI are top priorities for nearly all our clients,” said a Boer & Croon spokesperson. “With Harborn joining us, we can move beyond strategic advice to tangible technological execution, adding strong digital solutions to our integrated approach.” Harborn’s founder, Jeroen Soeterbroek, added, “Joining Boer & Croon allows us to deploy our digital expertise and the new AI Hub within complex transformations they are known for. Together, we secure change from strategy down to the source code.”

Boer & Croon specializes in management consulting, interim management, and executive search, focusing on driving impactful organizational change. As part of the EPSA group, it leverages international resources to support its growth and innovation strategies.

The acquisition aligns with broader industry trends where consulting firms increasingly integrate digital and AI execution capabilities to meet client demands for comprehensive transformation services. Competitors are expected to respond by forming similar partnerships and investing in AI-driven solutions.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The integration will focus on maintaining Harborn’s entrepreneurial culture while aligning strategic consulting and technical teams. The combined entity aims to capitalize on cross-selling opportunities, operational efficiencies, and enhanced service offerings.

Looking ahead, Boer & Croon plans to leverage the AI Hub to accelerate client digitalization projects and capture higher-value contracts requiring both strategy and implementation expertise. The firm’s expanded geographic presence and technical capabilities position it to compete more effectively in the evolving digital consulting market.