http://Raf%20van%20Aken http://Raf%20van%20Aken

Raf van Aken

Trainee

  • Service: Corporate finance

“Numbers provide answers; people provide context.”

During my bachelor’s degree in international business and my master’s degree in finance, with a specialization in corporate finance and investment & risk management, I discovered my interest in the financial and precise intricacies of numbers and models. At the same time, I remained just as fascinated by the human aspect behind it all: a company isn’t just ones and zeros, but also an organization of people who sometimes make rational choices and sometimes less rational ones. That combination of financial depth and an eye for the human aspect aligns closely with the work at JBR.

This also ties in with the quote above. A model or valuation provides an answer, but only with the right context does it become clear what that answer means for an organization and how the client will respond to it. Those who understand this well can give the client the best advice: advice that fits their business, but also suits them personally. As a trainee, I support projects across the various sectors in which JBR operates, ranging from financial models and valuations to internal assignments and preparing presentations. This allows me to gain knowledge in many areas and keeps me challenging myself.

What motivates me is working in a high-energy team that delivers top-notch quality while also providing space for one another and for personal growth. I got that impression right from my very first cup of coffee at JBR, and it has remained the same to this day.

I look forward to continuing my professional development at JBR in the coming months and helping to deliver great results for our clients.

All references

Our references.

Type of actuality
Berdi.nl

transactions

JBR is advising Osmaïa Nederland on the acquisition of Berdi

  • JBR served as M&A advisor to Osmaïa Nederland in the acquisition of Berdi

  • Sector: Food & Agri Transition

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transactions

Van Rens Expands Nationwide Coverage with the Acquisition of Verkeer Service Zuid-Holland

  • JBR served as M&A advisor to Van Rens / Caddenz.

  • Sector: Industrial & Markets

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KOTUG-Vortex

transactions

KOTUG acquires a majority stake in Vortex Offshore.

  • JBR acted as M&A advisor to the shareholder of Vortex Offshore in the sale of a majority stake to KOTUG International.
  • Sector: Maritime & Offshore

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Hofstede Advies

transactions

JBR Facilitates the Sale of Hofstede Advies to Studibo

For the shareholder of Hofstede Advies, the transaction offered a solution ensuring the long-term continuity of the company, its employees, and its clients. With Hofstede, Studibo acquires a strongly positioned niche consulting firm with in-depth expertise in soil, asbestos, and technical real estate consulting—and thus ample room for further growth, knowledge sharing, and cross-selling within the broader Studibo group.

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Bobach

transactions

JBR advised the owners of Bobach on the sale to De Acto.

In recent years, the group has undergone a strong “buy-and-build” process and now includes the companies Actum Services, Lengkeek Staalbouw, Indinox, GIEC Electrotechniek & Automatisering, VL Technics, Centif, Tilcon, Atec, ABS, and ASF. Website: https://deacto.eu

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transactions

XPartners continues to expand its Dutch platform with the acquisition of Flux Partners

  • JBR served as M&A advisor to XPartners in the acquisition of Flux Partners.

  • Sector: Industrial & Markets

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transactions

XPartners is building a Dutch platform with the acquisition of RYSE

  • JBR served as M&A advisor to XPartners on the acquisition of RYSE

  • Sector: Industrial & Markets

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Arnarfell-Samskip

transactions

Samskip and CLdN

  • JBR acted as M&A advisor to Samskip in connection with the carve-out and sale of its UK and Ireland transportation operations to CLdN.

  • Sector: Maritime & Offshore Transition.

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Labratorium

cases

Strategic restructuring in laboratory diagnostics

JBR guided one of the largest laboratory organizations in the Netherlands through a transition by strengthening financial insight, improving operational performance, strategic repositioning, financial restructuring and optimizing governance.

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transactions

JBR assists in setting up Regiolab

JBR acted as advisor to Stichting Streeklab Haarlem for the supervision of the partnership, and the intended acquisition of the clinical chemical laboratory of the Rode Kruis Hospital.

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All references
All current events

Our current events.

Type of actuality

news

Erik Roel returns to JBR after twenty years

Twenty years after his retirement, Erik Roel returned to JBR last summer. As Director Strategy, he supervises JBR's strategy team and works on client projects. WeConsultancy.com asked Erik what it is like to be back on the old nest in Zeist.

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JBR advises on Business Valuation

news

Scale where it needs to be, autonomy where it can be

The VVTsector faces a stark choice: grow with demand and technology, or get bogged down in staff shortages, ICTfailures and real estate pressures. JBR's analysis shows that below €80-100 million turnover, independence quickly becomes vulnerable, while smart alliances unlock agility, investment power and better care.

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news

Why the North Sea as a green energy factory matters to you now

The North Sea is rapidly transforming into the green heart of Europe. As oil and gas platforms are phased out, new wind farms, hubs, and energy islands are being established, connecting several countries. This shift is motivated not only by climate considerations but also by geopolitical factors, as offshore wind contributes to enhance energy independence.

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JBR office

news

JBR opens UAE office in Dubai to strengthen growth in the maritime sector

Zeist / Dubai, November 2025 - Amid a rapidly evolving M&A and corporate finance landscape, JBR is expanding its international presence with the opening of a new office in the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with Martin Helweg (Helweg Group). Helweg will also serve as Partner of JBR UAE, the office will be located in Dubai.

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JBR Office

events

Webinar Care Monitor 2025 - Meet the Authors

The authors of the Healthcare Monitor identify key trends, acquisitions and companies by sub-segment, and translate them into scenarios and strategy for the coming years.

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Frank Hermans

news

Frank Hermans: "We understand the needs and sensitivities of entrepreneurs."

Interview with the new Associate Partner about the Belgian market.

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JBR Interim Executives Harm Tunteler, Bart Kroon, Ed Flohr at the office in Zeist, white couch and large work of art.

news

Talk to an interim executive

Exchange ideas with an independent and reliable interim executive. They are used to uncertainty and are a good discussion partner.

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Care Monitor 2025 in FD

news

Politics put the brakes on private equity takeovers in healthcare

Read the FD interview with Caspar van der Geest and Thomas van Amerongen about the Healthcare Monitor 2025.

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Rogier Tigchelaar-Ronald van Rijn-Elsevier

news

Don't take energy supply for granted

Interview with Elsevier Weekblad: "Energy security is no longer a given and is increasingly an individual responsibility."

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What are the challenges of decentralized power generation

news

The challenges of decentralized energy generation

Opinion of Ronald van Rijn, Managing Partner at Weekbald Elsevier on decentralized energy generation.

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All current events