Team
At Aeternus, people are our most important asset. They are what gives our organization its personality. We aim to achieve the best possible results for you with our professional team of advisors, consultants and business analysts. We only select employees who are committed to our profession. Our team excels in professional know-how and sets the bar high through continuous education and training, both within the firm and outside.
Jacques Jetten
Director | Partner
Jacques Jetten MSc RV| “Put everything you have wholeheartedly into everything you do”
Jacques is the founder Aeternus BV, and one of the firm’s partners. Before he founded Aeternus at the end of 2005, Jacques held several management positions in the banking sector and was employed as the CFO of a leading manufacturing company in the metalworking industry. He studied Economics at the University of Tilburg, and was conferred the title of Register Valuator in 2003. A Register Valuator is a financial specialist with a thorough knowledge of and expertise in the field of business valuation. Jacques is also associated with the TIASNimbas business school as a mentor. He advises and mentors future Register Valuators in writing the final valuation report (thesis) that concludes their Master’s degree programme in business valuation.
‘I spend the majority of my time on negotiations, set out the broad lines at the company and check up on the progress of the transactions in which we are involved. I am involved in numerous valuations at a substantive level. Apart form the above, I also handle the intake of new clients and conduct acquisition interviews. All in all, this is a great mix!’
Peter Joosten
Director | Partner
Peter Joosten MFP | “Always stay true to yourself”
Peter has been working at Aeternus BV since the beginning of 2011. He has been a partner and director since November 2011. He held several management positions in the past and, prior to starting at Aeternus BV, acted as the managing director of ING Business Bank for the region of Limburg, where he was responsible for accounts in the SME and mid-corporate segment.
With a background in engineering in the field of process control engineering and electronics, Peter started his professional career in the business services industry with the recruitment and selection of highly qualified engineering personnel at a subdivision of Brunel. After a few years he transferred to ING. In 2003 Peter completed his studies as a Master of Financial Planning (MFP), for which ‘Ethics in the Financial Services Sector’ was the subject of his dissertation.
‘As a Value Manager I advise entrepreneurs on how to create optimum value for their business. This is generally with a view to a future sale or transfer, but I also help them increase their returns, conduct investment analyses and offer support in the creation of value. These activities often run parallel to the active acquisition of companies on the brink of a sales process.’
Bas van Soest
Partner | Advisor Corporate Finance
Bas van Soest RV | “Go for everything you believe in!”
Bas has been employed at Aeternus as a Corporate Finance Advisor since April 2009, and became a partner in November 2011. He has more than ten years of experience as a financial specialist in the banking sector.
In addition to studying Business Economics and Commercial Economics at university of applied sciences level, Bas has completed several training courses in takeover and acquisition financing. In 2011 he obtained an Executive Master’s degree in Business Valuation at the Rotterdam Erasmus University. Bas is also a Register Valuator.
‘Every new project brings tremendous challenges with it in my ambition to conclude the best transaction possible for our clients. You work with and for highly interesting specialists and entrepreneurs. The diversity of the transactions in which Aeternus is involved is substantial, and each new project poses new challenges in terms of its content.’
Léon Op de Coul
Partner | Advisor Corporate Finance
Mr. Léon Op de Coul MBV
After studying business and socio-economic law, Léon has gained nearly 29 years of practical knowledge and extensive management experience with successively ING, F. van Lanschot Bankiers and Rabobank.
Following his last position as Chairman of the Board at Rabobank Roermond-Echt, his new position as a partner at Aeternus BV perfectly fits his passion for ‘entrepreneurship’.
The university degree Master of Business Valuation (MBV, TIASNimbas), which Léon completed (cum laude & best of class) in preparation for his entrepreneurial wish, fully fits into his passion for the variety of aspects involved in the process of selling a company. Among his other specific points of interest are business valuations and strategic dimensions of an enterprise’s optimal value management. It is his passion to guide entrepreneurs with personal attention and creativity to ‘the next level’.
‘It goes without saying that I will use the networks built in my career, as well as my knowledge of the current (re)funding and valuation techniques, and that I will put 100% of my effort into preparing your business towards a bright future, from all perspectives! In a personal conversation I would like to discuss with you how I can help you reach your next level!’
Eric de Ruijter
Partner | Advisor Corporate Finance
Eric de Ruijter MSc | “What is valuable is not the same as that which has value”
Eric has worked at Aeternus as a Corporate Finance Advisor since April 1st, 2015. Prior to joining Aeternus, he spent ten years as a relationship manager at ING bank in the South-East Brabant region. He successfully completed his studies in Business Economics in 2004 with a specialisation in Corporate Finance. After this he completed several training courses in the practical applications of takeovers, acquisitions and financing.
‘I start every day with great enthusiasm, ready to face the challenge of achieving optimum results for our clients.’
Maurice Koopmans
Advisor Corporate Finance_
Maurice Koopmans MSc | “Quality means doing it right when no one is looking”
Maurice has been working at Aeternus BV since the beginning of 2015. Previously, he spent eight years at a mid-size multidisciplinary accountancy and consultancy firm and successfully completed several takeover, management buy-in and buy-out, and advisory projects as a corporate finance advisor.
After completing his studies in International Business Administration at the University of Maastricht and the University of California, he started his career in 2004 as a trainee at an international retailer, after which he moved on to one of the Netherlands’ leading temporary agencies as a consultant for companies in the shipping, food and manufacturing industries. In 2007 Maurice joined W|VDB Corporate Finance as a corporate finance advisor.
Geert Smets
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Advisor Corporate Finance_
Geert Smets MBV RV | “Success does not come by chance. You have to pursue success and seize it.”
With over 20 years of experience in Business Banking Geert has completed numerous financing transactions. “By linking knowledge and experience to the framework of Business Valuation I am a sparring partner for entrepreneurs in case of corporate transactions and participations.”
Before joining Aeternus Geert was employed at ING as “Senior Projectmanager Acquisition Finance & Structured Lending” in Amsterdam. Geert was responsible for the structuring and execution of complex financing cases in M&A and growth financing for the SME and mid corporate market segment, but also for PE funds and informal investors. Geert successfully completed the postgraduate course Business Valuation at the TIAS School for Business and Society in 2018 and became a Register Valuator (NIRV) in 2019.
“Maximum results are accomplished by pushing in the same direction and starts with perseverance. The acquisition- and selling process is an exciting process and experience. It is a pleasure if all parties concerned look back on a successful conclusion”.
Carlo Caria
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Advisor Corporate Finance
Carlo Caria MSc | “The greater danger is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it”
Carlo has been active at Aeternus since 2013. As of January 1st 2021 he has acquired the role of Advisor Corporate Finance. He has over 9 years of experience in assisting mergers and acquisitions, performing business valuation and -financing and advising with regard to value creation.
He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Finance at the University of Maastricht and Göteborg University (Sweden).
Aeternus assists entrepeneurs in their search for value creation, both from growth through acquisitions as well as from (optimally) selling their own enterprise. It is extemely intruiging and challenging to assist entrepeneurs from A to Z during such an important phase.
Kathelijn Verkerk-
Peerden
Consultant Corporate Finance
Kathelijn Peerden MSc RV | “If your dreams don’t make you afraid, they aren’t big enough.”
Kathelijn Peerden has been working at Aeternus as a corporate finance consultant since March 2016. Before she joined Aeternus, she worked five years as a consultant for a multi-disciplinary consultancy company, where she focused on corporate finance- and corporate recovery processes in the SME segment. She is economically educated at the University of Tilburg and has successfully completed in 2011 with a master’s degree in Financial Management. Kathelijn has obtained the postgraduate course Business Valuation at the Erasmus University (RSM) in 2014 and became a Register Valuator (NIRV) in 2015.
“Driven and with passion for my profession, I like to guide entrepreneurs in important decisions within their entrepreneurship.”
Patrick Cox
Consultant Corporate Finance
Patrick Cox MSc | “Expect problems and eat them for breakfast!”
Patrick has worked at Aeternus sinds july 1st, 2016. He graduated in 2003 as a monetary macro-economist at Tilburg University and started his career in the banking sector. At first, he worked six years at ING Bank, then another seven years at Rabobank; his last job was Manager SME. In those thirteen years at the banking sector Patrick has been developing an enormous passion for solving corporate financial issues. The more complex, the better!
“Without a doubt, Corporate Finance is the best discipline within the financial sector. It demands in excellent understanding of the business process, economic circumstances, entrepreneurship, risks and finances. The understanding always starts at a good conversation with the entrepreneur(s). And just there, you will find us making the difference.
Rob Woodford
Consultant Corporate Finance
Rob Woodford MSc | “Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination”
Rob started working at Aeternus BV in May 2017. Before joining Aeternus Rob was employed at ING as a Senior Consultant Acquisition Finance & Structured Lending in Eindhoven. At ING he was responsible for the structuring and execution of complex financing cases in the area of M&A and growth financing for the SME and mid corporate market segment, but also for PE Funds and informal investors.
He earned his bachelor degree in International Business at Tilburg University and furthermore he spent a semester at Trinity College in Dublin as an exchange student. Following an internship at the company, in which he wrote his master thesis, he earned his master degree in Strategic Management and joined CapitalMind Corporate Finance in ’s Hertogenbosch as a Corporate Finance analyst in 2007.
Juul Ketelaars
Consultant Corporate Finance
Juul Ketelaars MSc | “ Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work”
Juul started working at Aeternus BV in April 2018. Before joining Aeternus Juul was employed at ING as an Associate Acquisition Finance & Structured Lending in Eindhoven and Amsterdam. At ING he was responsible for the structuring and execution of complex financing transactions in the area of M&A, growth financing for the SME and mid corporate market, but also for PE Funds and informal investors.
He graduated from Maastricht University for his Bachelor degree in Busines Economics and his Master degree in Finance. During his Bachelor Juul spent a semester at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After graduating from his Master degree Juul started working at ING’s headquarter in Amsterdam.
Lieke Janssen
Consultant Corporate Finance
Lieke Janssen MSc | “Wake up! Only then will you be able to transform your dreams into reality”
Lieke joined Aeternus as a Business Analyst on 1 September 2014. Her tasks include compiling analyses and valuation and finance reports. In addition to this, she provides fiscal and legal support in acquisition and sales transactions, contributes proposals and coordinates details with specialists.
Lieke completed her studies in Business Economics and Finance at the University of Tilburg.
‘The passion that SMEs put into their business gives me the energy and inspiration to solve complex issues. Conversely, I hope that my fresh perspective gives our clients the energy and inspiration they need to make the right decisions. Aeternus has given me the opportunity to contribute to the future success of our clients by providing my colleagues the support they need in compiling analyses, business valuations and financing reports.’
Niek Jacobs
Consultant Corporate Finance
Niek Jacobs FFP, QCM| “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”
Niek started working at Aeternus in October 2019. Before joining Aeternus Niek was employed at Rabobank for 5 years, as a consultant, he advised various entrepreneurs in drawing up a financial planning.
After studying Business Economics at the Fontys and Finance at the University of Maastricht, Niek started as a trainee at Rabobank. In 2017, he completed the training for financial planner (FFP) and in 2018 the training Qualified Cash Manager (QCM).
Niek gets energy by connecting parties to each other in order to achieve the best result.
Tom Soentjens
Consultant Corporate Finance
Tom Soentjens | ‘Work hard for what you love and believe in, then success will come naturally’
Tom has joined Aeternus in the beginning of 2021 as Consultant Corporate Finance. Before he has worked six years for a Big Four accounting firm and was involved in the advisory and audit of as well international multinationals as regional small and midsize enterprises.
Tom graduated for his bachelor degree International Business Economics in 2010 and for his Master in Finance at Tilburg University in 2013. Furthermore, Tom completed his post-bachelor accountancy (AA) in 2019.
Peter Segers
Analyst Corporate Finance
Peter Segers RV | “Going to work with pleasure earns itself back when you get home”
Peter has been working at Aeternus as a Business Analyst since June 2008. Before taking this step, Peter was a financial manager at two SMEs engaged in international operations. Backed by twenty-five years of experience, Peter’s specialist fields are controlling, cost prices, automation and data analysis. Peter has completed various studies at university of applied sciences level.
‘My interest in a position requiring specialist financial expertise that would enable me to play an advisory role prompted me to apply for a job at Aeternus. Aeternus advises entrepreneurs on acquisitions, value and financing: in brief, on their prospective opportunities for development. As the staff at Aeternus is composed of highly qualified specialists, they make great sparring partners and we stimulate one another’s development in terms of knowledge.’
Sjef Geurts
Analyst Corporate Finance
Sjef Geurts MF RV sme | “Greatness is never achieved without a healthy dose of enthusiasm”
Sjef took up the position of Business Analyst at Aeternus in June 2007. Fifteen years before joining Aeternus, Sjef ran his own company in the metalworking industry. his specialisation fields are business valuation and fiscal issues. After completing his university studies in Tax Law, Sjef completed a post-graduate programme in corporate finance for SMEs at the TiasNimbas Business School in Tilburg. He concurrently completed the Business Valuation programme at the Rotterdam School of Management.
‘Determining the value of a company is always a challenge. When you examine the risks and future opportunities, all the knowledge and experience you have amassed in the relevant field come together. That is what makes my profession so enthralling. I want to offer the entrepreneurs who are our clients as much support in this process as possible.’
Coen Hermans
Analyst Corporate Finance
Coen Hermans MSc |”In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”
Coen has been working at Aeternus as an Analyst Corporate Finance since March 6th 2017. After completing his studies Commercial Economics at the HEAO in Sittard and Business Economics (International Management) at the University of Maastricht, he accrued more than 20 years of expertise and experience in Corporate Finance by working as a Financing Specialist, Credit Risk Analyst and Risk Manager at Rabobank.
”For many years already, with pleasure and passion, I have been working in the Corporate Finance business. I find it very satisfying to make a good business- and financial analysis and to seek on this basis for the optimal result for our clients.”
Dex van Gils
Analyst Corporate Finance
Dex van Gils | “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well”
Dex works at Aeternus as Analyst Corporate Finance since October 2018. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics at Avans Hogeschool ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2016. He then started his Masters in Strategic Management at Tilburg University, which he completed in 2018.
Dex gained work experience during his studies at companies such as DLL Group and Mars Nederland B.V.
Maartje Korten
Legal Analyst Corporate Finance
LL.M. Maartje Korten | “You do not build up a reputation with future promises ”
Maartje has been working for Aeternus as a Legal Analyst Corporate Finance since November 2018. She graduated at Tilburg University and has a bachelor and master degree in respectively Law & Management and Business Law. During her studies she completed an internship at Boels Zanders Advocaten in Venlo and spent a semester at Northwest University in South Africa following various courses related to business economics and law.
Marco Jaspers
Analyst Corporate Finance
Marco Jaspers | “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well”
Marco joined Aeternus in March 2019 as Analyst Corporate Finance. He has completed the bachelor Economics & Business Economics and the master Finance at Maastricht University. After his studies, he did an internship at PwC in Düsseldorf in the Valuation & Strategy department. Before joining Aeternus, he worked as a Business Analyst at APG Asset Management.
Koen van Bussel
Analyst Corporate Finance
Koen van Bussel | “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well”
Koen has been working at Aeternus as Business Analyst since March 2017. He is currently studying the Bachelor Tax Economics at Tilburg University. Koen works with pleasure besides his study in the field where he hopes to be successful in later.
‘A better step to learn in practice alongside my studies there does not seem to be for me.’
Tim Duine
Analyst Corporate Finance
Tim Duine | “Perseverance is the power of success”
Tim recently graduated the HBO Bachelor Finance and Control, as well as the pre-master Finance. Tim will start the Master Finance in September 2018. In the meantime Tim is eager to gain more experience is his near future profession, such that he can apply his theoretical knowledge in practice. In his opinion the best way of learning.
Bart Jagers
Analyst Corporate Finance
Bart Jagers | “Striving for the perfect deal together.”
Bart has been working at Aeternus Corporate Finance since November 2019. Before that he worked for almost 5 years at a consultancy office in Nijmegen. Although Bart started there as a tax specialist, he quickly concluded that his passion was corporate finance. Initially, Bart became acquainted with the profession as an analyst, and then he gained experience as a consultant in guiding purchase and sales processes.
Joeri Verlinden
Analyst Corporate Finance
Joeri Verlinden | “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible”
Joeri has completed his BsC degree in Economics & Business Economics and his Msc degree in Economics. He is currently studying for a Msc degree in Finance. As he is almost graduated, he is interested in getting work experience. This will give him the opportunity to put theory into practice.
Bob van der Louw
Analyst Corporate Finance
Bob van der Louw | “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
Bob completed the Bachelor of Business Economics at Tilburg University in May 2019. During this study he became interested in the Finance field. That is why he also focused the elective courses on Finance during his minor. He followed this minor at the City University of Hong Kong, in Hong Kong.
The plan is to do an internship during the academic year 2019-2020 to see what kind of work and field suits him, to start with his Master in September 2020.
Jop van de Laar
Analyst Corporate Finance
Jop van de Laar | “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Jop has earned his Master’s Degree in Tax Economics from Tilburg University in 2020. During his study he has worked for several companies including Tax Model and EY. In addition to his study and professional environment, Jop has always played sports on a high level.
“I look forward to the challenges ahead”
Joep Wennekers
Analyst Corporate Finance
Joep Wennekers | “You play the game to win; the key is knowing what that actually means”
As a student International Business, Joep has experienced various business cornerstones in theory as well in practical form. Besides the specialisation International Finance, have an exchange program in the United States and an internship at Wilson Capital in China given an extra dimension to his studies.
In 2020 Joep has started the Master in Financial Economics at the Radboud University, a track balancing macro-economics and corporate finance. An internship at Aeternus provides a great opportunity to gain experience in the M&A working field.
Judith Peeters
Marketing & Communications
Judith Peeters MSc | “Where there is a will, there is a way”
Judith Peeters has worked at Aeternus since 2007. She is responsible for all work carried out in support of the management team. Judith is also in charge of all activities with regard to business communications, including seminars, presentations, the Aeternus website and the company newsletter.
Judith studied Business Communication at the University of Nijmegen and has worked for various companies as a management assistant.
‘I enjoy working at Aeternus because this is a company that is genuinely committed to the success of its clients. You work in close collaboration with your colleagues as well as the clients. The feeling of being engaged in a collaborative effort that you get at the successful conclusion of a transaction is something that particularly appeals to me. I enjoy playing a supporting role in this process. In addition, Aeternus offers me the opportunity to work in various fields and to have my own responsibilities.’
Yvonne Steegh
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Sales & Data Management
Yvonne Steegh | “Life is what you make it”
Yvonne has worked at Aeternus since 2013. She is responsible for finance, sales and data management. She takes care of the internal administration, coordinates the sales and acquisition activities within the Organization and is responsible for projects in IT and data management.
Yvonne studied Commercial Communication at Schoevers University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven. After this, she was employed at Personato recruitment as Office Manager and later as Consultant Finance and Control.
‘Working at an organization where quality is paramount with personal attention to clients and colleagues, fits well with me. From involvement and cooperation with the team the best performance drop. From a supporting role is for me the challenge to ensure that the matters in the Organization are regulated and we can work in an effective and efficient way. ‘
Ivanka Beurskens
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Office Management
LL.M. Ivanka Beurskens | “Always follow your gut, that is when the wisest decisions are made.”
As of October 2017, Ivanka is working as Office Manager at Aeternus. She is responsible for all work carried out in support of the management team.
She is in charge of contributing to all administrative and secretarial work for the firm’s various projects.
Ivanka completed her study Dutch Law, with a master’s degree in criminal law, at the Radboud University Nijmegen.
Rachele van der Velden
Marketing & Communications
Rachele van der Velden | “Always deliver more than expected.”
Rachele has worked at Aeternus since February 2018. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in 2020, she joined Aeternus in the Marketing & Communications department. In this role she is responsible for the (online and offline) marketing and communication activities of Aeternus.
Rachele studied Marketing and Communication Management at Hogeschool Schoevers in Utrecht.
“Working at a dynamic organisation where quality and results come first, with personal attention for customers and colleagues, suits me well. I notice that the ambition and enthusiasm with which Aeternus wants to conquer the mergers & acquisitions market appeals to me enormously and I am happy to contribute to this. ”
Johan van der Horst
Administrator Finance
Rachele van der Velden | “Always deliver more than expected.”
Johan is working since 2021 for Aeternus as Administrator Finance. He will take care of all of the internal- and external administrative processes. Thereby he will make sure that the management will receive the information they request by updating the monthly reports.
Johan successfully finished the study Business Economics at Fontys Eindhoven. After that he worked for several organizations where he gained skills and knowledge of the Finance and Control tasks.
‘I am looking forward to grow at Aeternus as a professional and as a person’
Mirka Linssen – Brewka
Data Support Medewerker