Karmijn Kapitaal sells Aquilum Group to Colbe: The Work Wellbeing Network

Amsterdam, December 9, 2025 – Karmijn Kapitaal has sold Aquilum Group, a specialist in sustainable employability, to Colbe. Karmijn invested in Aquilum in 2020 and has since supported an ambitious buy-and-build strategy. During this period, Aquilum strengthened its national footprint and significantly broadened its service offering through seven strategic acquisitions. By adding Aquilum, Colbe further reinforces its leading role in the Netherlands in occupational healthcare services and sustainable employability.

Aquilum Group is a nationwide partner for sustainable employability. The group helps employers create healthy and safe working environments and provides services in absenteeism prevention, case management, reintegration, labour mobility and related interventions. Aquilum operates through several specialised labels that together deliver one integrated offering to organisations across the Netherlands.

Monique Schutrups, CEO of Aquilum Group, said: “Colbe’s vision aligns perfectly with what we strive for at Aquilum: lifelong employability. We focus not on treating symptoms, but on acting as a true partner to organisations, advising on sustainable employability with energy and optimism. I see it as my role to recognise talent, create opportunities and inspire teams to bring out the best in themselves. Joining Colbe increases our reach and impact, enabling us to make a difference for even more people and contribute to a healthy, engaged working Netherlands.”

Colbe is a European work-wellbeing network that supports organisations and employees with an integrated approach to work, health and wellbeing. The network brings together occupational health services and specialised interventions to deliver sustainable employability, vitality and absenteeism management at greater scale and with stronger cohesion. Since 2025, the network has operated under the name Colbe.

Bas Tomassen, CEO of Colbe, commented: “I have followed Aquilum closely over the past years and am impressed by how the former occupational health service provider Equilar has evolved into the strong multi-label platform it is today. Bringing our organisations together strengthens both sides and supports Colbe’s strategy of offering differentiated service models that better address the specific needs of our clients.”

With Karmijn’s support, Aquilum has grown into a broader and stronger group in sustainable employability, with an expanded service portfolio and a solid foundation for further growth. Becoming part of Colbe enables Aquilum to continue that development within a larger network with additional expertise and scale.

Cilian Jansen Verplanke, Co-founding Partner at Karmijn Kapitaal, said: “We are proud of what we have achieved with Aquilum’s management over the past years. Since our investment in 2020, Aquilum has grown strongly: seven strategic acquisitions have broadened and strengthened the platform in line with employers’ needs. Aquilum now supports employers nationwide in preventing absenteeism and keeping people healthy, engaged and sustainably employable. We thank the management team for this great journey and wish them every success in the combination with Colbe.”

The intended transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval from the relevant supervisory and competition authorities and consultation with employee representative bodies.