Logistics service provider Gilbert De Clercq is one of the many family businesses in our country. As the only remaining representative of the second generation, Filip De Clercq is now alone at the company’s helm. In our mobile office, Filip explains how he took over the family business and how Grant Thornton helped him to do so.

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From four to one

His three elder sisters joined the family business at the end of last century, while Filip followed in 2000. “For our parents that was the logical thing to do”, explains Filip. “I quickly climbed all the echelons in the company and, in 2002, was given the chance to set up our Spanish premises. That was a tremendous opportunity to learn.”

“About ten years ago, we launched a takeover journey. In 2014, I bought my sisters’ shares and took full possession of the organisation myself. Grant Thornton supported us in the valuation of our company, Peter Vermeiren was our fixed takeover advisor.”

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clercq car

Bag full of cobblestones

From then on, Filip was alone at the head of the company which his parents had spent over 50 years developing. “Then I could choose: stay the same or go up a gear”, explains Filip. “I went for the second option, but there was a lot to think about.”

“The biggest challenge was transforming our flat family structure into a business model to suit our growth ambitions. That had many ‘technical’ and administrative consequences, but above all I had to find the right people to join me in the new management team. It took me several years to get our organisation exactly where it needed to be.”

“Also, we faced a tough financial challenge. I had recently taken over the business and needed to invest in new locations in order to realise our ambition – growing from our logistical base. That felt like a bag full of cobblestones that I had to drag with me for several years.”

Reliable sparring partner

Grant Thornton has been Filip’s trusted partner for quite some time now. In different areas. “Including the valuation in our takeover journey, advice when purchasing new warehouses and help with taxation: Grant Thornton is always there to assist me as a sparring partner”, says Filip. “Using the advice from my fixed Grant Thornton contacts I take decisions with complete confidence.”