Now Present in Half of Wallonia's Provinces
MONS, 10 January 2025 – The accountancy firm AGEFI, with offices in Soignies, Mons, and Seilles, has joined PIA Group. This addition brings the rapidly expanding accounting and advisory group to a total of seven offices across Brussels and Wallonia. “We are delighted to welcome AGEFI, a benchmark in French-speaking Belgium,” said Steven Brouckaert, founder and Executive Chairman of PIA Group International. “We are now present in half of Wallonia's provinces. Our ambition is to establish a presence in every region of French-speaking Belgium by the end of the year.”
AGEFI: A Benchmark in French-Speaking Belgium
Founded by Stéphane Bloquiau, who began his career as an auditor with one of the Big Four firms, AGEFI has evolved through strategic partnerships and acquisitions into a firm with 75 years of history, 45 employees, and a client base spread throughout French-speaking Belgium.
More Than an Accounting Firm
True to its slogan, AGEFI offers more than just accounting services. Clients also benefit from expert advice in tax and legal matters. The firm supports numerous clients in acquisitions and provides business consultancy, including marketing strategies. The day-to-day operations are managed by Stéphane Bloquiau and Céline Quévy, the latter also overseeing human resources. They are supported by a long-standing partner and three young associates.
PIA Group: A Leader in Belgium and the Netherlands
PIA Group is the fastest-growing accounting and advisory group in Belgium and the Netherlands. Its growth is driven by the acquisition of accounting firms. In a sector undergoing consolidation, PIA Group adopts a unique approach by preserving the individuality of the firms it acquires. The name, partners, working methods, and teams remain unchanged.
Support Rather Than Change
The added value of joining PIA Group lies in the support provided in six areas that, while not core tasks for accounting firms, present significant challenges—such as IT and human resources. With PIA Group's support, firms can focus on their entrepreneurial spirit and clients, thereby fostering organic growth.
Respect for Values
This support-focused approach led AGEFI to choose PIA Group. “We were approached three years ago by a foreign international group,” explained Stéphane Bloquiau. “The financial aspect was quickly negotiated, but we didn't align with their values. With PIA Group, we immediately felt that Steven Brouckaert and his team understood our work. At AGEFI, we are entrepreneurs at heart, and we felt a great deal of respect in that regard."
Golf Can Wait
Steven Brouckaert added: “This is essentially PIA Group's approach to acquisitions. Boosting our partners' entrepreneurial spirit is our priority. I was reassured when Stéphane told me he wasn't planning to take up golf anytime soon.” “That's true,” said Stéphane Bloquiau with a laugh. “As partners, we actively support our clients. I've seen clients grow from sole proprietorships to companies with 15 stores, and I truly feel I've played a role in that evolution. It's gratifying.”
The Perfect Match
Nathalie Calle, CEO of PIA Group, also expressed her enthusiasm about welcoming AGEFI. “Their entrepreneurial spirit aligns perfectly with PIA Group,” she noted. “I see a highly diverse clientele across all sectors, from local plumbers to branches of international groups, with a focus on SMEs. AGEFI also adds value for clients, for example, through a dashboard that allows them to monitor their company's performance. I'm eager to support this client-oriented approach with PIA Group.”
Wallonia: A Key Market for PIA Group
Benjamin Biesmans of Baltisse, the family office of prominent Belgian entrepreneur Filip Balcaen and principal investor in PIA Group, is equally pleased with the expansion in Wallonia. “French-speaking Belgium is a very important market for us. Across the region, from Liège to Luxembourg, there is a proliferation of entrepreneurial initiatives. We aim to contribute with our accounting and advisory services. PIA Group is also very active in Flanders. Soon, Steven Brouckaert will announce a series of new offices.”
About PIA Group
In a rapidly expanding market, PIA Group aspires to become a leading player in accounting and advisory services, without ever sacrificing the personal connection between client and advisor. To this end, the group bases its growth on a constantly expanding network of dynamic partners. Through the interaction between these partners and our expert teams, entrepreneurs find up-to-date, highly individualised service and expertise in every PIA office. This enables us to make a real contribution to their professional and personal success. Founded in 2012 in Belgium by Steven Brouckaert, PIA Group now has over 70 offices and nearly 2,000 employees in Belgium and the Netherlands. The combined turnover for these two countries exceeded €250 million in 2024.
www.pia.be
https://www.agefi.be
