The Belgian cybersecurity companies Approach Cyber and AXS Guard are now joining forces. The merger creates a larger organization that aims to provide broader support to companies in their digital security.
AXS Guard and Approach Cyber merge into one larger entity. The new company positions itself as a strong Belgian security player with European ambitions.
The merger is not solely driven by financial motives. The collaboration rather stems from a shared vision and complementarity. Organizations can now turn to the expanded team, which counts more than a hundred professionals, at every stage of their cybersecurity journey. Customers retain their familiar points of contact, but also gain access to a wider network of experts.
The unified entity will assist customers in all aspects of their security: from prevention to crisis management and the development of business continuity plans. According to both parties, the merger responds to the increasing complexity of the digital threat landscape and the need for more integrated support.
Approach Cyber 2.0
In the long term, the merged company will operate under the name Approach Cyber. AXS Guard will continue to exist as a product name and will be promoted as such.
The new and larger Approach Cyber remains strongly anchored in Belgium and aims to stimulate collaboration between the three regions, including on the theme of digital sovereignty. This Belgian foundation is important. Alex Ongena emphasized during a recent conversation with ITdaily in his role as CEO of AXS Guard on that Belgian aspect: “Our technology is fully developed in Belgium. All customer data also remains here”.
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European ambition
The merged company is also eagerly looking across the border. The first step in the new international growth strategy is the opening of a branch in Switzerland. This should help European customers in their pursuit of digital autonomy and higher security standards. AXS Guard has been present in the Netherlands since 2023.
David Vanderoost, the current CEO of Approach Cyber, will lead the merged company. Ongena takes a seat on the board of directors and also becomes CTO. “Together we form a stronger entity that is better equipped to help customers with increasing cyber threats,” says Vanderoost. “The synergy of our talents and our technical, legal and management expertise creates a unique offering in the market.”
“We are exceptionally complementary and can immediately deliver complete peace of mind in the field of cybersecurity,” says Ongena. After the merger, customers have access to a 360° portfolio where advanced technology, strategic advice and 24/7 security seamlessly come together.
For the staff, nothing changes for now. However, teams may be reorganized in the long term to strengthen collaboration.