Sometimes, the real opportunity is not the first building — but the first conversation. When Groothandel Claessens initially visited a property through March, it quickly became clear that the site was too small for their needs. For Laurens Vermeulen, Senior Companion at March, that was not the end of the story, but the beginning of a tailored search. By staying in close contact with owner Tom Claessens and listening carefully to the company’s operational requirements, one thing became clear: Claessens was not looking for a short-term opportunity, but for a location that could support their next phase of growth.
With that clear objective in mind, March deliberately chose an approach beyond the usual market channels. Rather than waiting for the right property to appear, we actively reached out to owners of sites that matched Claessens’ profile. Discreetly, purposefully, and with a long-term vision. This approach required time, persistence and conviction, but it paid off. After nearly two years of close follow-up, relationship building and negotiation, March successfully secured a deal for the site at Kolvestraat 30-36 in Bruges, offering a total built surface area of 5,545 sq m.
With this acquisition, Groothandel Claessens secures a strong position within Blauwe Toren, one of Bruges’ established industrial zones, long recognised for its functional location and logistical relevance. For a company focused on distribution, accessibility and operational continuity, this represents a key strategic advantage. The site not only provides the scale needed to operate efficiently today, but also offers the space and structure required to support future expansion in the region.
By continuing the conversation and really understanding what Tom Claessens was looking for, we were able to refine the search very precisely. After nearly two years of actively contacting owners and following up the file, we secured a deal that gives them the space they need today and the growth potential they need tomorrow.” - Laurens Vermeulen, March
The strength of this deal lies in its long-term vision. A portion of the acquired site that is currently no longer in use will soon make way for a new-build development, with the opportunity to expand further over time. At the same time, the seller will remain as a tenant on part of the existing premises for another five years, ensuring a phased transition and a smart balance between continuity and transformation. This was not simply an acquisition, it was a carefully structured real estate strategy. Exactly the kind of trajectory where March creates lasting value.
