Nico Daenens: From €0 to €25m, the rise of the Belgian Magnate of Home Services
Nico Daenens
The Belgian homecare sector has undergone a major transformation with the introduction of the payment by service vouchers in 2004. This reform aimed to eliminate undeclared work particularly in the cleaning sector. In Brugesthe company Dienstenaanhuisfounded by Nico Daenens in September 2004, quickly took advantage of this change to expand, and Nico Daenens now has a fortune of over €26,872,829.
Development of Dienstenaanhuis:
- Creation: 2004 by Nico Daenens in Bruges
- Objective: Using the service voucher system to offer cleaning services
- Evolution: Anticipation of sectoral changes and economic challenges + investment in personnel and IT technologies
The company has seen its workforce grow significantly, avoiding the challenges that impacted other companies in the same sector after 2007 thanks to a number of strategies proactive human resources and digital innovation. These judicious choices were crucial in ensuring the continuity and expansion of Dienstenaanhuis, leading to the establishment of the Daenens Group in 2009.
Expansion and acquisitions:
- 2009: Creation of the Daenens Group
- 2011: Nearly 1,000 employees; recognized in Europe's 500 Job Creating Companies list
- 2013-2015: Taking over the activities of various PWA companies in difficulty
- 2014: Acquisition of Makkie, a major regional player now autonomous within the group
- 2018-2019: Integration of Greenhouse and the branch Adecco service vouchers
This growth has made the company one of Belgium's leading providers of homecare services. Today, the Daenens Group and its multiple entities employ over12,000 people, generating annual sales of almost 250 million euros.
Daenens' investment activities:
- Investor: Holds shares in various companies such as Plus Home Services, No Dust, MyEco Services, Nettoie Entretien Tout grouped under TS Wallonie, and Secopass' 20%.
- Strategy: Working with partners to invest in promising companies and diversify operations
Nico Daenens continues to expand his footprint across Belgium, where his presence already extends from Flanders, in Brussels, to Wallonia. His influence as a business leader and investor is driving continued growth in the personal services sector, and uassets of over 25 million euros.
