Nedvest Acquires Schouten & Nelissen and Subsidiaries in Strategic Deal

On May 22, 2026, Nedvest, a Netherlands-based family office, acquired Schouten & Nelissen along with its subsidiaries Relevance, Competence, New Dawn, and Thema from the Schouten family. The transaction transfers full ownership of the group, which specializes in training, coaching, and personal development services, to Nedvest. The deal preserves the companies’ operational independence, brand identities, and existing management teams.

Founded in 1980 by Jan Schouten, Schouten & Nelissen has built a reputation for developing people, teams, and organizations with a focus on soft skills such as personal effectiveness and leadership. The group reaches over half a million professionals annually across more than 60 countries through training, coaching, and customized in-company programs.

Jan Hein Schouten, representing the family, emphasized the careful consideration given to the company’s future. “The past year we extensively evaluated various scenarios to ensure that the legacy built since 1980 continues with attention, continuity, and trust,” he said. The acquisition by Nedvest enables the group to enter a new phase of development while maintaining its core values and identity.

Nedvest is a family office with a long-term investment horizon, focusing on Dutch-headquartered companies that create societal value and operate responsibly. The investor aims to support sustainable growth and strengthen the group’s international position. “Our involvement is geared towards enabling further development while preserving the companies’ unique culture,” Jan Hein Schouten added.

The current management remains in place, with Steven Steenbergen overseeing Schouten & Nelissen, Competence, and New Dawn, and Camiel Gielkens leading Relevance and Thema. Employees, clients, partners, and suppliers will experience no immediate changes in contracts, teams, or ongoing projects.

The acquisition aligns with broader industry trends emphasizing human capital development amid rapidly changing work environments. Organizations increasingly prioritize soft skills and leadership development to enhance employee engagement and performance. Nedvest’s backing is expected to accelerate digital transformation initiatives and expand the group’s reach into new markets.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction involves a full 100% stake transfer. Nedvest’s capital and expertise are anticipated to facilitate cross-selling opportunities across subsidiaries, optimize operational efficiencies, and enhance data analytics capabilities for client outcomes.

Looking ahead, the group plans to scale existing programs internationally and invest in digital learning platforms to increase accessibility. Maintaining the distinct identities and cultures of the subsidiaries while aligning strategic priorities will be critical to successful integration.

Industry competitors may face increased pressure as the Nedvest-backed group leverages its resources to innovate and expand. However, the family office’s long-term approach aims to foster sustainable growth rather than rapid consolidation.

Overall, the acquisition positions Schouten & Nelissen and its subsidiaries for continued leadership in the human capital development sector, combining legacy expertise with new growth opportunities under Nedvest’s stewardship.