Four & Five’s lawyers are very adept at empathising with cases, so that they understand all the finer points of view and really understand the dynamics of both parties—purchaser and seller”

Since 2006, Hans Swinnen has been working as a partner in the development of the private equity activities within 3d Investors. Audioprof came into the picture at a certain point. The investment of 3d Investors soon resulted in professionalisation and a successful growth track (including an acquisition in America). In short, the company was taken to a higher level. In 2019, more than 10 years after the acquisition of Audioprof by 3d Investors, the time was ripe to bring Audioprof into another safe haven.

“During the sales process, Four & Five assisted 3d Investors in drawing up the shares sales contract, negotiating with the counterparty/parties and providing legal strategic advice,” says lawyer and partner Dimitri Coun. “Today, we regularly provide legal assistance to 3d Investors.” A funny anecdote: in 2016, when 3d Investors acquired a stake in Pauwels Consulting, Dimitri was on the other side of the table. “Apparently, the spark caught at that point,” says Dimitri.

 

“The collaboration with Four & Five was and still is excellent,” says Hans Swinnen. “And there are essentially three reasons for this. First of all, they have the necessary expertise, both in the legal and M&A field. That, of course, is the basis, and other law firms can claim this too, naturally. But secondly, and this is less obvious, thanks to their excellent organisation and time management, there is a far-reaching follow-up on their part, so that they can signal us in good time when something needs to be picked up.”

But it is mainly for the third reason that Hans Swinnen appreciates the collaboration with Four & Five. “Their lawyers are very adept at empathising with cases, so that they understand all the finer points of view and really understand the dynamics of both parties—purchaser and seller. This is how they create confidence based on their field of expertise and participate constructively inthe best deal for all parties. I noticed that again in the Audioprof transaction.”