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Pre-construction with vision, driven by numbers that bring peace of mind

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When a family business with nearly one hundred years of history passes the torch to a new generation, a lot is thrown at the company. For construction company Vanloot, with Michiel and Jeroen Vanloot as fourth-generation managers, that was the moment to steer more sharply not only strategically, but also financially.

“If you want to move forward, you don't need yes-men. We wanted a partner who dares to challenge us, who thinks with us and names things as they are,” it sounds. Titeca pro accountants & experts turned out to be the perfect match. Not only within the framework of the legal obligations, but as a sounding board and guide.

Need for tighter financial control

With different materials, activities and countries, it became increasingly important for Vanloot to know exactly where margins were, how overhead costs were evolving and which projects were really paying off.

“Figures were always there, but they did not give us enough guidance to make quick and substantiated adjustments,” Michiel knows. That's why in September 2024 Vanloot switched finance assistance in through pro expert Delphine Bocher. She went to work in-house as interim CFO and thus temporarily became management's financial right-hand man.

What began as a question around reporting quickly grew into broad support on financial and strategic areas. Delphine leads the finance team, optimizes accounting and administrative processes, and translates financial data into insights that business owners can use immediately.

Delphine Bocher (pro expert) is assisting Vanloot as interim CFO.

Peace of mind thanks to finance assistance

“The biggest added value is the peace of mind Delphine brings,” says Jeroen. “We now have accurate, up-to-date figures and reports tailored to our operation. That gives confidence.” In this regard, Delphine acts not only as a financial expert, but also as a sparring partner. She thinks critically, asks questions and helps to substantiate scenarios.

“She has a distinct management profile,” Michiel said. “That makes her a perfect fit with our way of working.”

Thanks to finance assistance, Vanloot can today promore active act. “We can looking forward,” says Michiel. “We see more quickly where adjustments are needed and make decisions based on facts rather than gut feeling.”

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"Delphine's greatest added value is the peace of mind she brings. We now have accurate, up-to-date figures and reports tailored to our operation."

 

       Vanloot in a nutshell

  • Family business, founded in 1930.
  • With Michiel and Jeroen Vanloot, the fourth generation is at the helm.
  • Active as a precast builder in concrete, steel and wood.
  • Focus on industrial, commercial and agricultural construction projects.
  • Offices in Belgium (Vlamertinge, Waregem) and France (Boeschepe).

 

From temporary reinforcement to sustainable structure

The use of finance assistance also had a clear strategic objective: to prepare Vanloot for its next phase of growth. Delphine guided the company in its search for a full-time CFO, which starts soon. To ensure a smooth transition, she will provide a thorough handover for several more months.
 
“That typifies Titeca's approach,” says Jeroen. “Not thinking in short assignments, but in long-term sustainable solutions.” An approach that also typifies the relationship with business partner Els Decru. “Els is accessible, thinks with us and is critical at the same time. She challenges us, asks the right questions and helps us look beyond today.”
 
Jeroen and Michiel Vanloot (directors).

Family takeover: numbers and emotion

One of the most defining moments in Vanloot's recent history is the family takeover by Michiel and Jeroen. It is a multi-year journey that will be formally completed in 2026. “A family takeover is not a purely financial exercise,” Michiel emphasizes. “It's at least as much about emotions, expectations and relationships within the family.”

From the start, Titeca was closely involved in that process. Together, they were fundamental questions answered: how do we restructure the company? Do we split activities or just barely? How do we deal with other family members? What valuation is correct? And above all: how do we make sure everyone feels heard and respected? That balance between reason and emotion proved crucial.

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“A family takeover is not a purely financial exercise. It is at least as much about emotions, expectations and relationships within the family."

“That's where Titeca really made a difference,” says Jeroen. “They provide not only technical answers, but also the right tools to work with the intrafamilial aspect to go.”

The guidance provided by Els Decru, the pro accountants and experts provided calm, structure and confidence. The result is clear governance, clear agreements and a solid foundation for the future of the family business.

Looking ahead with confidence

In the coming years, Vanloot intends to continue to grow, but with a focus on stability and conscious choices. Potential investments, such as a concrete plant in France, require a strong financial foundation.

“Thanks to Titeca, today we have grip on our figures and structure. That grip provides peace of mind and something to hold on to. That is worth its weight in gold to a company,” concludes Michiel.

Looking for a partner for your business?

Whether you are in need of finance assistance, acquisition guidance or other expertise: Titeca is your ideal confidant.

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