Common Ground advised the shareholders of AGEP on the transaction with KELLEN EUROPE

Common Ground Corporate Finance is happy to announce that Kellen Europe and AGEP, the two leading Brussels’ based Association Management Companies, have joined forces in Q1 2014. Kellen Europe and Kellen AGEP, both formed 25 years ago, have established a prominent presence in Brussels providing professional services to associations; including Association Management, Strategic Advice, EU Affairs, Public Relations, Communications and Conference Management.Common Ground acted as the exclusive corporate finance advisor to the shareholders of AGEP.

With this acquisition the Kellen Company becomes the largest management firm for associations in the food industry in the European Union as well as on a global level with offices in the US, Europe and China. Kellen has strategic alliances in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

“Through this merger, we offer our clients a true window on the world and make sure they remain relevant, not only on a European but also on an international level. We are excited to have strengthened our position in Brussels and expand the scope of our clients”, said Alfons Westgeest, Managing Partner of Kellen Europe.

Alain Beaumont, former shareholder of AGEP said: “Common Ground’s role was instrumental in realizing this transaction. They prepared thoroughly the transaction and maximized our interests, with respect for the values of our company and the nature of our business.”