Baltisse-backed PIA Group Acquires Smids & Schakel Accountants to Expand Leeuwarden Presence

PIA Group, backed by Belgium-based private equity firm Baltisse, has completed the acquisition of Smids & Schakel Accountants en Adviseurs, a full-service accountancy and advisory firm headquartered in Leeuwarden. The deal, announced on October 5, 2026, adds 33 employees to PIA Group’s existing operations in the city, where it already operates two other offices, AKSOS and Omnyacc.

While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition represents a strategic move to strengthen PIA Group’s position in the Noord-Nederland SME market. Smids & Schakel will continue to operate under its own name and maintain its distinct identity within the PIA Group network.

Founded approximately 75 years ago, Smids & Schakel has a long-standing history of serving small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Netherlands. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services including accountancy, administration, tax advice, payroll, financial planning, and related advisory services. Many of its employees and clients have maintained relationships spanning decades, with some client engagements now extending into the third generation.

Peter Steenhuis, partner and tax advisor at Smids & Schakel, explained the rationale behind the decision: “We wanted to make a well-considered choice, carefully weighing the pros and cons. Although we are currently well-positioned, rapid developments in labor markets, automation, and AI made it essential to secure the firm’s long-term continuity.”

Joining PIA Group provides Smids & Schakel with access to enhanced resources, including advanced technology, AI tools, professional training, and collaboration opportunities with other offices within the group. Jettie Veltman, partner and accountant at Smids & Schakel, emphasized, “Our people, clients, working methods, and name remain unchanged. At the same time, we gain the benefits of a larger organization, which opens new avenues for development and future readiness.”

Ewout Brouwers, founder of PIA Group Netherlands, welcomed the acquisition: “Smids & Schakel is a firm with a rich history, strong client relationships, and a clear identity. Their personal approach and team diversity align well with PIA Group’s values. We are pleased they chose to join us after thorough consideration.”

Since its establishment in 2012 by Steven Brouckaert, PIA Group has expanded into an international organization with over 75 offices and more than 3,800 employees across the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. In the Netherlands alone, the group employs over 1,700 professionals.

The acquisition fits within PIA Group’s broader strategy to consolidate its market position by combining innovation at scale with the preservation of local office identities. This approach aims to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate digital transformation, and foster collaboration across offices.

PIA Group anticipates that integrating Smids & Schakel will create synergies through cross-selling complementary services, sharing technology platforms, and standardizing best practices. The expanded presence in Leeuwarden strengthens the group’s competitive position in the Northern Netherlands SME segment, a market characterized by increasing consolidation and technological disruption.

Looking ahead, PIA Group plans to maintain Smids & Schakel’s brand and culture while aligning operational processes and technology platforms. The group acknowledges challenges such as retaining key personnel and managing change amid evolving labor market conditions and rapid automation trends.

Overall, the acquisition underscores PIA Group’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in accountancy and advisory services, positioning the group to meet future client needs effectively.