From its beginnings as a blacksmith’s workshop in Horst in 1932, IDEAAL Machinebouw has grown into an international player in mechanical engineering. By 2019 the third generation of the family-owned business faced the challenge of transferring ownership without losing the company’s knowledge base, identity, and customer relationships. A coincidental encounter led to Rooth’s involvement. At the time, Pascal Maes had already been with the company for several years: “From the very first meeting, it just felt right,” says Pascal. “We were drawn to Rooth’s regional commitment, strategic mindset and long-term approach.” That initial meeting soon led to a formal partnership.

Transferring the company’s ownership required a careful approach. The previous owners had  been the face of the business for a long time and they had built up an extensive network. “We were determined not to lose that value,” Pascal explains. To ensure business continuity, the new leadership team was set up through a combination of internal stability and external reinforcement. Pascal remained with the company and became a co-owner whilst Koen Lemmen came into the company, also becoming a co-owner and bringing technical expertise and management experience.