Business valuation | Business succession

“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.

 “Tax advisory is nice, but corporate finance first.”

Ernst has been working at Aeternus since September 2015 (and its predecessor firm Newtone). He studied Financial Management at the VU in Amsterdam and later obtained a master’s degree in Business Valuation at TIAS. As a Certified Valuator, he is a member of the Dutch Institute for Certified Valuators (NiRV), where he is also a member of the Admissions Committee.

Ernst specializes in valuation work related to business successions and employee participations. He performs this work for SMEs as well as larger companies and private equity firms. In addition to valuing shares, Ernst also focuses on valuing more complex financial instruments, such as shareholder loans, preferred shares, options, and growth shares. In these engagements, he combines his financial knowledge with his tax knowledge, which always come together in these cases. By combining both areas, he is able to maintain a good overview of the whole picture.

“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.’

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

Bas joined Aeternus in March 2023 as a Manager 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”.

“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.’

“Success does not come by chance. You have to pursue success and seize it.”

Geert Smets has 25 years of experience working with SMEs and their management teams across nearly all sectors. “Since 2020, I have specialised in the Industrial Manufacturing and Building & Construction sectors, resulting in a strong and relevant network within these industries. This knowledge and network are applied in my role as a sparring partner. That means providing guidance in sales and (family) succession, growth (including through acquisitions), value creation, and financing challenges.”

‘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.’

“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!’

“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.’

“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 has since grown into the role Director Corporate Finance.

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.

“The future and strategy of a (family-owned) business are invaluable, and it is an honour to support entrepreneurs in this with the right level of personal attention.”

Roy Joppen is a Partner at Aeternus. In this role, he supports entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business. By combining strong substantive involvement with a keen eye for the entrepreneur’s personal and family circumstances, he provides guidance in dealmaking and other strategic matters.

“A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.”

As a former pro athlete with an international background Ryan finds purpose in helping the people behind the businesses navigate complex valuations and M&A processes, doing so since joining Aeternus in 2017. Prior to Aeternus, Ryan studied Economics at Bowdoin College (USA) and Tilburg University (NL), where he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while also playing ice hockey at a high level.

Currently a Manager Corporate Finance, Ryan combines a team-first mindset, discipline and persistence with his technical knowledge to be of added value to clients aiming to realize (family) succession plans, restructurings, acquisitions, sales and employee participations.

“Carrying out valuation work that truly makes an impact for our clients is what I enjoy most.”

After 15 years in accountancy, during which she gained exposure to a broad range of businesses, she transitioned to the Corporate Finance practice (at the predecessors) of Newtone. Since 1 January 2026, she has been primarily focused on business valuations at Aeternus. With her background in business administration, her particular interest lies in Value Based Management.

By carefully analysing a company’s value drivers and their impact on valuation outcomes, entrepreneurs can actively steer the growth of a future-proof business. Adjusting the right “levers” leads to stronger returns and an attractive valuation upon exit.

Claudia holds a degree in Policy and Organisation Sciences and graduated cum laude with a Master’s in Business Valuation. As a Register Valuator, she is affiliated with the Dutch Institute of Registered Valuators (NiRV).