Econopolis Acquires Majority Stake in DoubleDividend, Creating €4B Asset Manager

Econopolis, a Belgian independent asset manager headquartered in Antwerp, has acquired a 51% majority stake in DoubleDividend, an Amsterdam-based specialist in sustainable active asset management. The partnership creates a Dutch-Belgian wealth management organization managing more than €4 billion in assets with approximately 50 professionals operating from offices in Amsterdam and Antwerp.

The transaction integrates DoubleDividend’s existing team and operations, with the company continuing to operate independently from Amsterdam. DoubleDividend’s partners retain ownership stakes and remain responsible for daily management. The deal does not disclose financial terms.

DoubleDividend, founded in 2011, focuses on active asset management with a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term value creation. It holds an AIFMD license and is regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB). Econopolis, established in 2009 by Geert Noels, combines asset management with economic advisory services through its Ortelius division. It manages proprietary funds, institutional and family wealth, and operates Twain, a digital private bank targeting smaller investors.

The collaboration responds to evolving challenges in the asset management sector, including increasing regulation, technological advances such as artificial intelligence, and growing market complexity. By combining resources, the firms aim to enhance scale, specialist knowledge, and investment capabilities while maintaining their independent, active investment styles and personalized client service.

Clients of DoubleDividend will benefit from access to a broader research organization, additional specialist expertise, and an expanded range of products and services. Bram Tankink, a long-time Econopolis team member, will join DoubleDividend to support its growth. The partnership builds on a relationship spanning over 20 years, with several DoubleDividend partners having previously collaborated with Econopolis founder Geert Noels at Petercam Nederland.

Both organizations share a common investment philosophy centered on active management, entrepreneurship, and long-term value creation, particularly serving business and family niches. This cultural and strategic alignment underpins the partnership, which aims to establish a leading independent asset manager in the Dutch-Belgian market with ambitions for international expansion.

Strategically, the deal offers multiple synergies: revenue growth through cross-selling and enhanced research capabilities; cost efficiencies via shared regulatory compliance and technology investments; and operational improvements by leveraging combined expertise and AI-driven portfolio management tools.

Market consolidation in the asset management sector is accelerating, and this partnership strengthens Econopolis and DoubleDividend’s competitive position against smaller independent firms. However, integration challenges include preserving the entrepreneurial culture, aligning operations across two regulatory environments, and ensuring seamless client service continuity.

Looking ahead, the firms plan to expand DoubleDividend’s Amsterdam team and deepen collaboration while maintaining autonomy. The partnership signals a significant step toward building a robust, independent asset manager with a sustainable investment focus and cross-border capabilities.