Independent private equity

In fragmented and growing markets, we support successful companies with a buy-and-build growth strategy. Whilst the management team is firmly in control of running the business, Waterland provides hands-on support with acquisitions, financing, organization development, and other projects such as commercial excellence.

The Waterland team, often supported by external resource, is working alongside the management team to build market-leading companies. With explicit focus on reduction of the carbon footprint, talent retention, and high customer satisfaction.

Team members

Over 190

Our team

At Waterland we have an experienced and entrepreneurial investment team, keen to support the growth ambitions of our portfolio companies.

In 11 countries across Europe, Waterland has deep local knowledge and excellent networks. Our people work in 13 offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, France, Spain and Poland.

With over 190 employees, from 20 nationalities, we are still growing and on the look-out for new talent. On a yearly basis, we also offer on average 20 interns the opportunity to get to know the exciting world of private equity.

Joining Waterland has been a transformative experience for me. The culture of autonomy and entrepreneurship here fosters a great sense of ownership over our projects. This freedom has allowed me to explore new avenues, take calculated risks, and deliver great impact. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment that values and nurtures individual growth, making me a more confident and successful member of the team.

Anneleen Claessens – Senior Portfolio Manager, Antwerp
Investment professionals

Over 130

Partnership for growth

At Waterland we support successful companies with an accelerated growth strategy. Hands-on support from a team of more than 130 investment professionals in 11 countries. With our portfolio companies we aim for market leadership through a local or international buy-and-build strategy. With focus on people, planet, and profit.

I enjoy working with all my colleagues at Waterland. Despite being a diverse team, we have a strong entrepreneurial culture that unites us and defines the way we do things. We share an ambition to partner with the best entrepreneurs to create successful and lasting businesses.

Victor Teixell Aleu – Senior Associate, Barcelona
Companies

Over 1000

Our experience

Since 1999, we have supported entrepreneurs with accelerated growth partnerships in more than 150 sectors across Europe. Our buy-and-build strategies have resulted in investments in more than 1000 companies.

Working at Waterland is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit you can sense across the team. The fast-paced and varied work across industries makes no day like any other.

Rupert Von Bülow – Investment Manager, Munich

Latest news

Investment firm Waterland takes majority stake in bike leasing platform Hellorider

Investment company Waterland has taken a majority stake in fast-growing bicycle leasing platform Hellorider. Kruitbosch and the management team will…

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X²O welcomes Waterland to join forces with Vendis Capital and Jan Ollevier in supporting continued growth

Waterland, a leading pan-European investor, has taken a majority share in X²O, the leading omni-channel retailer of visible bathroom equipment…

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Change of ownership Keylane

Pollen Street has signed an agreement to acquire all shares in Keylane Group B.V. (Keylane) from Waterland Private Equity. This…

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Our investors

Our investors share our vision on long-term value creation. That is why we have partnerships with many leading international institutional investors such as corporate and state pension funds, financial institutions, (university) endowments, charitable foundations and other leading international institutions from all over the world.

To date, Waterland has raised over €14 billion in commitments. Following Waterland Fund 8 with commitments of €2.7 billion, we are currently investing Waterland Fund 9, which has commitments of €3.6 billion.

Awards

For many years, Waterland has been recognized for generating excellent returns to our investors.

In 2024, we were placed 2nd in the Large Buyout Performers across funds with focus on Europe, as well as 6th out of over 500 Global PE firms in the 2023 HEC-DowJones Large Buyout Performance Ranking.

Waterland is the only firm to have been in the top 15 of the annual HEC/Dow Jones Private Equity Performance Ranking for 13 consecutive years. In addition, we are also in the top 10 most consistent performers in buyout fund management according to the Preqin Consistent Performers in Global Private Equity & Venture Capital Report.