We have advised CROP accountants & adviseurs (CROP), a top 25 Dutch accountancy and advisory firm with a strong identity built over 60 years, on its partnership with de Jong & Laan (dJ&L), backed by Waterland Private Equity.
Operating in five offices across central Netherlands (Amersfoort, Arnhem, Ede, Hoofddorp, and Utrecht), CROP serves a loyal base of SMEs and family-owned businesses with a comprehensive range of services, including audit and assurance, accountancy and advisory, tax and legal, HR services, corporate finance, and interim services. With 350 people and a reputation for partner-led, high-quality services, CROP has established itself as a trusted long-term partner for its clients.
To improve its service offering and strengthen its position as an employer of choice, CROP has entered into a strategic partnership with dJ&L, a leading Dutch top 10 accounting and advisory firm. dJ&L operates from approximately 35 offices nationwide with around 1,300 employees, and has been executing an ambitious buy-and-build strategy since partnering with Waterland Private Equity in 2022. The combination brings together two firms with strongly aligned cultures, a shared focus on the Dutch mid-market, and complementary strengths across service lines, technology, and geographic reach.
dJ&L will acquire 100% of CROP, with the active CROP partners reinvesting a substantial portion in the combined group. Through the partnership, CROP will retain its identity, offices, and client relationships, while gaining access to dJ&L's national platform, investment in people and talent development, digitalisation capabilities, and broader service infrastructure. Together, the combined firm is well-positioned to serve clients across the Netherlands with greater depth and continuity.
We acted as the exclusive financial adviser to CROP on this transaction, strengthening Clearwater’s experience in advising on transactions for companies active in professional services. Completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
