On February 27, 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) granted approval for Sofindev and Benlen to acquire joint control of IFW Globe. The acquisition was officially notified on February 19, 2025, and the parties requested the application of a simplified procedure for the review.

Sofindev is an investment firm focused on private equity investments in small and medium-sized enterprises across the Benelux region. The company has experience in various sectors, including digitally driven business services, logistics, and niche manufacturing. Benlen, on the other hand, is a management company owned by two individuals and currently holds the majority of shares in IFW Globe.

IFW Globe operates as a holding company, fully owning Shipex and VDH Forwarding, both of which are freight forwarders that facilitate import and export transport. The BCA concluded that the conditions for the simplified procedure were satisfied and that the merger would not pose any competitive issues.

The BCA plays a crucial role in enforcing competition policy in Belgium, addressing anti-competitive practices such as cartels and abuse of dominance, while also reviewing significant merger operations. The authority collaborates with other EU competition authorities and the European Commission as part of the European Competition Network.