Meet the M&A team

“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!’

“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.’

“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 fifteen years of experience as a financial specialist in the banking sector. Moreover Bas has been active for fifteen years in assisting in mergers and acquisitions, performing business valuations and providing value enhancement advice for companies. Bas has already successfully guided more than 100 acquisition transactions in de small-and mid-corporate market.

In addition to studying Business Economics, 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.’

“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.

“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. In January 2021 he acquired the role of Advisor Corporate Finance and he became a partner in April 2023. 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.’

“It’s not the size of the company that counts, it’s the size of the dream.”

After almost 12 years as a business account manager in banking, Bert worked at Aeternus from 2011 to August 2018 as Head of Valuations. He then re-established and expanded the valuation practice in Eindhoven for EY Strategy and Transactions until April 2023. From 1 May 2023, Bert is back at Aeternus, as a partner, where he is responsible for the valuation practice and client projects.

Bert was further elected as Business Valuator of the Year 2020 and holds a cum laude Master in Finance and a Master in Business Valuation. As a Registered Valuator, he is affiliated with the Netherlands Institute of Registered Valuators (NiRV) where he is also a member of the Admissions Committee and Disciplinary Board.

“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.’

“Sometimes you shouldn’t make it harder than it is”

Marco joined Aeternus in April 2022 as Director Corporate Finance from our Amsterdam office. He has over 25 years of experience in accountancy and advising entrepreneurs among others in the field of corporate acquisitions. In addition to his accountancy studies, Marco studied Business Valuation at Nyenrode and is registered as a Register Valuator at the NiRV. The Register Valuator is a financial specialist with a thorough knowledge and expertise in the field of business valuation. The combination of entrepreneurship, accountancy and corporate finance makes him a very experienced and versatile sparring partner and advisor for entrepreneurs.

“Getting to the bottom of what buyers and sellers really want is an important part of the process, sometimes it involves matters that someone else does not understand why it is so important. The trick is to bring complex matters back to the core and you should not make it more complicated than it is to understand each other and be able to come to a deal.“

“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.

“Wake up! Only then will you be able to transform your dreams into reality.”

Lieke has a financial background with her Master’s degree in Finance, which she completed at Tilburg University. In addition, she pursued advanced courses in M&A and Venture Capital at McMaster University in Canada.

Lieke joined Aeternus 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.

‘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.’

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Niek started working at Aeternus in October 2019 as Senior Manager Corporate Finance. 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.

“Work hard for what you love and believe in, then success will come naturally.”

Tom has joined Aeternus in the beginning of 2021 as Manager 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.

 “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.“

Dex works at Aeternus as Manager 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.

“Perseverance is the power of success.”

Tim has been employed at Aeternus since January 2018. In 2017, Tim obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda. Following the completion of his Bachelor’s degree, Tim joined Aeternus as an intern.

During this period, Tim gained work experience in the field of corporate finance while simultaneously completing his Master’s in Finance at Tilburg University. After completing his Master’s degree, Tim joined as an Analyst Corporate Finance and advanced to the position of Manager Corporate Finance.

“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”

Joeri completed the masters in Economics and Finance at Tilburg University. After his studies Joeri joined Aeternus as Analyst Corporate Finance and since September 2022 as Manager Corporate Finance.

“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.”

Koen started as a intern at Aeternus in March 2017. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Koen joined the company as Analyst Corporate Finance. He has since progressed to the position of Manager Corporate Finance. Koen studied Tax Economics and Finance at Tilburg University.”

“When the chance can’t find you, go find the chance.”

After obtaining his Masters of Finance from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and a successful youth tennis career, Tom started as Analyst Corporate Finance at Aeternus. He has since progressed to the position of Manager Corporate Finance.

‘Maximizing everything I do to the best of my abilities is what I pride myself in. This matches Aeternus’ mission perfectly; we maximize the highest possible value for our clients in every way imaginable.’

“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.

Bart obtained his Master’s degree in Tax Law from Maastricht University.

“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, gave an exchange program in the United States and an internship at Wilson Capital in China an extra dimension to his studies. In 2021, Joep completed the Master Financial Economics at the Radboud University. A study background that provides a balance between corporate finance and macroeconomics makes Joep look forward to apply theory into M&A practice.

“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 and later she progressed to the position of Legal Manager Corporate Finance. 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.

“Going to work with pleasure earns itself back when you get home.”

Peter has been working at Aeternus as a Senior Analyst Corporate Finance 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.’

“Greatness is never achieved without a healthy dose of enthusiasm.”

Sjef took up the position of Senior Analyst Corporate Finance 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.

He also serves as an arbitrator or binding advisor. Sjef is registered as an expert in the field of Business Valuation within the National Register of Judicial Experts.

‘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.’

“Good ideas ought not to be dressed up in bad prose”

Bas joined Aeternus in March 2023 as a senior analyst Corporate Finance. Previously, he worked at APG as an Investment specialist – Fundamental Equity, prior to that he worked at ABN AMRO and EY. Bas completed his Master’s degree in Accounting at Tilburg University. In 2021, after completing the third exam and meeting the right experience, he obtained his CFA title.

“An M&A transaction or making a valuation is in many cases a complex process. Often this is a “once-in-a-lifetime” process for the owner of the company. An analyst can lose himself in complex analysis, jargon and other complicated matters. That is why I see it as my task, and that also gives me satisfaction in my job, to bring complex matters back to the core. I like to take the entrepreneur along in a concise story and a high-quality valuation, which justifies the value of the company. I am convinced that this ensures a pleasant cooperation with the entrepreneur and will ultimately ensure the best result”.

“Every challenge is an opportunity to learn.”

Mika has completed the masters Strategic Corporate Finance and Marketing-Finance at Maastricht University. During those studies, he has worked together with ING and the Academic Hospital of Maastricht to find and evaluate healthcare start-ups. Additionally, he has researched the role of sustainability on M&A performance and synergy creation. Through those experiences, he has gained a large interest in the field of M&A. Mika has begun working from September 2021 as Analyst Corporate Finance.

“It is not enough that we do our best; sometimes we must do what is required.”

After having successfully completed his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Economics at Maastricht University, Michiel is now in the final stages of both his Masters in Strategic Corporate Finance and Sustainable Finance. Alongside writing his thesis, Michiel has joined Aeternus as an intern since September 2021 and progressed to the position of Analyst Corporate Finance.

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.”

Ingmar completed his master’s degree in Financial Economics at Maastricht University. Prior, he studied one semester as an exchange student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, which was a part of his bachelor’s degree. Having done internships in the fields of Financial Risk Management at KPMG and Investment Banking at NIBC Bank, he sees M&A as an engaging, next challenge. Ingmar has been with Aeternus since January 2022 as an Analyst Corporate Finance.

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.”

After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, Tim also successfully completed his Master’s degree in Finance at Tilburg University. He was an intern at Aeternus and since 1 January 2023, Tim joined Aeternus as a corporate finance analyst.

“Leap and the net will appear”

Geoffrey has completed the master Strategic Corporate Finance at the University of Maastricht in 2021, before which he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. During his studies he developed a special interest in Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), which led him to start working in the M&A world. After a tour through South America, Geoffrey joined Aeternus as Analyst Corporate Finance in May 2022.

“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”

In the dynamic world of M&A I feel completely in my element. Working together with professionals and getting to know all kinds of fascinating companies gives me an immense boost. Together striving for the best results, full of energy and with focus on success.

“It is not about ideas. It is about making ideas happen.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree in Business Economics, Tim also successfully completed the masters in Finance and Strategic Management from Tilburg University. During his bachelor, Tim completed an internship within Heineken’s finance department. Since May 1, 2023, Tim has joined Aeternus as a Corporate Finance analyst.

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them”

Tom completed the master’s degree in Finance & Investments at Erasmus University in Rotterdam in 2023. Before that, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree at the same university. Tom has previous work experience at ING, Alphastone Equities (London) and SMBC (Frankfurt). He also worked as Assistant Operating Manager at Wicro Plastics. Now he works at Aeternus as Analyst Corporate Finance

“Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, take the opportunity and make it perfect.”

After completing his bachelor’s degree in International Business, Bob pursued his growing interest in Corporate Finance, which resulted in earning a master’s degree in Strategic Corporate Finance from Maastricht University. In addition, Bob attended a Business Administration Program in New York and completed internships at SyncForce and Joanknecht. Since September 2023, Bob has been working as a Corporate Finance Analyst.

‘Passion, dedication and persistence: the keys to achievement’

Félipe started as an intern in September 2023 at Aeternus and has been an Analyst Corporate Finance since January 2024. He is studying the Double Degree in Business Administration and Law at Erasmus University Rotterdam. He has already completed the Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and currently Félipe is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Law.

“Where there is a will, there is a way.”

Judith Peeters is working 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.’

“Always deliver more than expected.”

Rachele is working 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.’

”In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Coen has been working at Aeternus as an Analyst Corporate Finance since March 6th 2017 and progressed to Administrator Finance. 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.’

“Every problem is a gift; without problems we would not grow.”

Being employed at Aeternus has broadened my perspective, this gives me the opportunity to grow as a professional. I am excited about the opportunities ahead at Aeternus and look forward to continuing my journey at this unique organization.

“I have never tried that before so I think I should definitely be able to do that.”

Coba has started her job as Office Manager at Aeternus in 2022. She is a jack of all trades so that everything in the office runs smoothly. With her past as a hostess, she provides a warm welcome to our visitors. She also supports 1 of the managing partners for optimal planning and process control. Unburdening is key.

Previously Coba has worked in the hospitality industry and at commercial companies in an administrative and secretarial role. She is used to a wide range of tasks and feels comfortable with this.

‘Aeternus gave me a warm welcome and I am very excited to get to work with this fantastic team.’