KKR-backed DATAGROUP Acquires Valid Managed Services to Expand European IT Footprint

DATAGROUP, a prominent European IT services company headquartered in Germany and backed by the private equity arm of KKR, has acquired Valid Managed Services (VMS), an Eindhoven-based IT managed services and consulting firm. Announced on May 8, 2026, this acquisition represents DATAGROUP’s first cross-border deal, extending its footprint into the Benelux region.

While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition involves a full 100% stake in VMS. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to finalize within the coming months.

Valid Managed Services specializes in delivering reliable, secure, and high-performing IT solutions with a strong focus on consulting services that help clients implement change and become more data-driven. The company’s local presence and customer-centric approach complement DATAGROUP’s extensive portfolio, which includes the CORBOX platform integrating multi-cloud, cybersecurity, compliance, and AI-driven automation services.

DATAGROUP employs approximately 4,000 staff and generates over €560 million in annual revenue. The acquisition of VMS enhances DATAGROUP’s service offerings by adding access to the CORBOX multi-cloud platform, including a sovereign cloud hosted in European data centers that supports data sovereignty and compliance with European regulations without vendor lock-in. Industry-specific cloud solutions are also part of the expanded portfolio, targeting sectors with stringent security and compliance needs.

Roy van de Kamp, current management lead at VMS, will continue to oversee the company’s growth and development. He will also take on the role of Division Director of European Expansion at DATAGROUP, reporting directly to CEO Andreas Baresel. This position will be pivotal in executing DATAGROUP’s ambitious European growth strategy through 2030.

Co-CEO and founder of Valid, Dis Valcq, emphasized the strategic benefits of the deal: “By becoming part of DATAGROUP, we are combining our strong local presence with international clout. Our customers will benefit from a broader range of services, in-depth expertise, and innovative solutions, while maintaining the familiar partnership we’ve built.”

Andreas Baresel, CEO of DATAGROUP, added, “DATAGROUP has many years of experience in integrating companies. With Valid, we are now finalizing our first acquisition outside of Germany. We look forward to working with the local team and warmly welcome them to DATAGROUP.”

The acquisition aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and AI-driven automation. By integrating VMS’s local expertise with DATAGROUP’s international platform and technology stack, the combined entity aims to accelerate digital transformation for clients and strengthen competitive positioning in the European IT services market.

Operational synergies include consolidating IT infrastructure, streamlining procurement, and standardizing service delivery through the CORBOX platform. The deal also presents challenges such as aligning corporate cultures, integrating IT systems, and managing customer expectations during the transition.

Looking ahead, DATAGROUP plans to leverage the expanded service portfolio and geographic reach to pursue larger cross-border enterprise contracts and enhance innovation capabilities. The integration of VMS is a key step in DATAGROUP’s strategy to become a leading pan-European IT service provider by 2030.