French investment firm IDI just made a bold move. They set aside €45 million to launch a new company, IE Holding. Then, through the Waterland investment fund, they injected Intersoft Electronics for €12 million. This is now being called one of the largest Belgian defense deals in recent years.
A local Belgian company with global reach
Intersoft Electronics, based in Zottegem, Belgium, is no small player. Founded in 1983, they serve clients worldwide—think Eurocontrol, Raytheon, and Thales. Their radar systems are used at airports, on military bases, and even in NATO operations.
What makes them stand out? They do it all themselves—from design and software to installation. Their smart radar systems support both civilian and defense operations. Half their revenue comes from civilian projects, the other half from defense.
Fast growth under Waterland
Waterland became the majority shareholder in 2019. Things accelerated fast. Revenue climbed past €60 million. They expanded into Germany and acquired IBS Luftfahrt, a competitor focused on air traffic control system maintenance.
Today, the group has more than 400 employees, including 80 in research and development. Demand is booming. And in a world full of military tension, it’s only growing stronger.
Why IDI made its move now
IDI, a publicly listed French investor, has a long track record with private companies. They saw an opportunity in Intersoft—one with growth potential, resilience, and strategic value in a time when military tech is back in the spotlight.
For American investors, this is a clear sign: defense tech is heating up. And companies like Intersoft, quietly rising to the top from small European towns, are starting to catch the eye of major players.
What does this mean for you as an investor?
Imagine this: a tech company from a quiet town in Belgium, now serving clients around the world. Snapped up by a major foreign investor. That says a lot. About the company. About the sector. And about where the next investment opportunities might lie.
Are you already watching companies that build smart defense systems? Or are you still playing it safe with traditional stocks?
If you were in IDI’s shoes—would you have made the same move?
