International breakthrough for Antwerp real estate company

Ceusters property group - formerly Hugo Ceusters-SCMS Group and Devimo Consult - is increasing its clout by establishing an operating base in Amsterdam. Ceusters’ expansion into the Netherlands is intended to provide permanent support for its growing client base there and represents a conscious decision to pursue a policy of internationalisation. Moreover, drawing on over 70 years of experience, the company is undergoing a complete rebranding, including the new name “Ceusters” and a new logo, which it will launch at MIPIM, the largest property trade fair in Europe.

Hugo Ceusters-SCMS Group and Devimo Consult have over 70 years’ combined experience in commercial property. They specialise in agency & consultancy, property management and valuation & advisory, with offices in cities including Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels and Hasselt. These activities are now bringing the Antwerp real estate specialist - still the largest independent manager of shopping centres in our country - to the Netherlands.

The group’s portfolio has already spread to the Netherlands in recent years and includes the management of an office building in Rotterdam and over 100 stand-alone retail units across the south of the Netherlands. That is why a brand-new operating base in Amsterdam is being established for the first time.

“We already serve the southern part of the Netherlands from Belgium, but we are planning to expand to the rest of the Netherlands from our Amsterdam base. The aim is not so much a rapid expansion but a high-quality and permanent extension of our activities throughout the Netherlands.” Philippe Van den Broeck, COO Ceusters

Services in Amsterdam will mainly focus on asset management in relation to commercial property. The Dutch team will be managed by Philippe Van den Broeck.

Rebranding

The company is also undergoing a full-blown makeover to coincide with the expansion to the Netherlands and will henceforth be known simply as ‘Ceusters’. The new name and logo and revamped colours are intended to emphasise the family firm’s continuity, proximity and respectability.

“The aim was to create an easily-recognised brand with a clear link to all the departments, ready for international expansion. ‘Ceusters’ exemplifies a single company, clarity and transparency. A new step in our growth and expansion, looking to the future, building on the past.” Ingrid Ceusters, CEO Ceusters

Ceusters was founded in early 2013 to optimise the existing company structure as a result of a merger between sister companies Immobiliën Hugo Ceusters NV and Shopping Center Management Services NV (SCMS). The group subsequently acquired its rival Devimo Consult in 2017. Ceusters now employs around 100 people and generated gross turnover of EUR 20 million in 2018.

International recognition

For Ceusters, the rebranding is the next step in its growth abroad. After all, Ceusters has been a fixture in Belgium for a long time; it is using this opportunity to increase its international recognition as well.

Ceusters will continue to build on the expansion of the business at every level. The property management company also wants to be a trend-setter in digitalisation and has developed a proprietary property management application tailored to its clients. Ceusters aims to build on that passion to continue investing in innovation and digitalisation.