January 2025

Jaga welcomed a new chapter today with the appointment of Jan Battheu as the groups new CEO and Vybros Capital Partners (VCP) as strategic investment partner. Former CEO Jan Kriekels retains a significant stake in the company and will remain active as chairman of the Board of Directors and as Innovation & PR Director, with a focus on product development and the promotion of Jaga’s vision. This collaboration coincides with the acceleration of the energy transition and opens up fresh growth opportunities through investments in technology, product development and a broader international market position.

FOSTERING GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY

The collaboration with VCP is a key milestone in the growth of Jaga which, in addition to its headquarters in Diepenbeek (Belgium), also has branches in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Canada. To boost Jaga’s position as an innovative and sustainable front-runner worldwide, the various departments are housed in a single structure that harnesses internal knowledge and capabilities. The company’s focal point is continued professionalisation through investments in clean technology, efficiency and product development. Employees are given every opportunity for career advancement and professional development.

Guy Vande Vyvere, Managing Partner at Vybros Capital Partners said, “Our investment in Jaga is aimed at supporting growth and accelerating the company’s mission: manufacturing sustainable high-quality products that have a positive impact on our planet. We believe in the power of Jaga’s innovative vision and the dedicated team, and we are looking forward to contributing to this new chapter.”

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: JAN BETTHEU APPOINTED AS CEO

Jaga’s current management team stays on board, with the addition of Jan Battheu as new CEO. As strategic investment partner, VCP will work closely with the management team to support Jaga’s growth strategy.

In this transition, Jan Kriekels, who successfully headed and developed Jaga as an international design brand for many years, is stepping back as CEO to focus even more actively on his roles as Innovation & PR Director and chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Jaga is more than a business to me”, says Kriekels. “It is a business culture of motivated people for a net zero world, a ‘purpose in life’ I have been vigorously pursuing for over 40 years. The ultimate goal is to minimise man-made CO2 emissions worldwide and eventually eliminate them altogether by investing in the development of renewable energy sources and more efficient user systems which, once installed, will provide non-polluting and free energy. The foundation of our high-tech civilisation, namely energy, is neither pure nor sustainable and if we continue down this path, the future looks bleak for both man and nature. Building on this delivers no added value whatsoever.

Our team of Climate Designers for Net Zero creates solutions for a better indoor climate with respect for the outdoor climate. The combination of our Jaga technology and a sleek design make it attractive to embrace climate-friendly products, without compromising on aesthetics. That is how Jaga has developed into a true and globally loved brand. Recent accolades such as the German Design Award 2025 and the Henry Van de Velde Award in Belgium are proof positive that we are on the right track. With the energy transition gaining momentum, our mission is becoming all the more important. In VCP we have found the perfect strategic partner to help Jaga implement that acceleration. They share our commitment to sustainability and innovation. In Jan Battheu we have chosen the right person to help Jaga navigate this growth phase and bolster our commitment to Net Zero.”

Jan Battheu boasts ample experience upscaling companies (built among others at Delta Light Group), developing teams and realising growth through a shared vision.

“I am honoured to be joining Jaga and I look forward to building on the strong foundation of innovation, design and sustainability established by Jan Kriekels and his team”, says Battheu. “Today’s environmental challenges require innovative and sustainable solutions such as those offered by Jaga. Together we will further expand Jaga in order to play an even more prominent role in the increasingly urgent energy transition. Through ongoing investments in our people, technology and international presence, we are preparing Jaga for a new phase of growth and impact on the planet, our customers and our team.”

SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION AS DRIVING FORCES

With VCP on board, Jaga will continue to leverage their strong tradition of innovation and sustainability, with respect for the values and culture that make the brand so popular. Jaga will keep placing maximum focus on sustainable raw materials use, clean production methods and lower energy consumption to contribute to both healthier indoor climates as well as a better outdoor climate.

In addition, the ongoing involvement of Jan Kriekels guarantees Jaga will continue to fulfil its role as an innovative pioneer that caters to the fast-changing market. Customers will always have access to solutions that address the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. Suppliers will benefit from new investments, product development and a broader international presence, creating growth opportunities for everyone within Jaga’s network. Jaga will keep working to make a positive impact on people, the environment and the market, in line with its mission and sustainable vision.

ABOUT JAGA NV

Founded in 1962, Jaga is an internationally leading designer and manufacturer of climate solutions made in Belgium, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, design and innovation. With a strong focus on the development of energy-efficient products that make a positive contribution to the environment, Jaga has built an enviable reputation in the industry and services customers worldwide, from individual dwellings to large-scale projects. Jaga’s mission consists in combining technology with environmentally-friendly design to create solutions that enhance comfort and sustainability. Jaga employs 325 staff (climate designers), exports 85% of its products worldwide and has an expected revenue of €90 million for 2024.

ABOUT VYBROS CAPITAL PARTNERS

Vybros Capital Partners (VCP) is a permanent capital fund supported by some 40 entrepreneurial investors, including the West Flemish family Vande Vyvere. VCP focuses on direct investments in growth SMEs active in four key areas: Sustainable Solutions & Energy Transition, Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0, Technical & Professional Services and Health & Leisure. VCP supports financially healthy SMEs with strong growth ambitions and a minimum initial EBITDA of €2 million. A key aspect is close collaboration with the founders or management teams that leverage capital, expertise and a comprehensive network to realise strategic goals and promote growth.