Lieven Cuvelier

Invests and rents retail real estate properties

Sofindev is an active, long-term manager which provides financial and strategic support to Belgian small- and medium-sized companies engaged in a growth strategy or confronted with a succession issue in traditional business sectors, except the hotel, restaurant, cafe and real estate sectors. The firm's Flemish and French-speaking team focuses on investments in Belgium. Sofindev seeks to invest in companies with a track record of profitability, a market leadership position or the potential to become one and a competent management team. The firm typically makes equity investments of €3-€10 million, either as sole financial investor or as a co-investor, which they combine, when necessary, with a subordinated and/or convertible loan instrument. They provide capital through capital increases, MBO/MBIs, or a combination of both, resulting in a majority stake or a significant minority stake in the investee company. Sofindev provides support to investee companies through strategic guidance and operational assistance to their management team, acting as a sounding board for a variety of key issues. The firm typically holds an investment between 5 and 10 years, exiting through an IPO, trade sale, secondary buyout or a sale to existing shareholders.