Firm at a glance
GBL is a holdco headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with approximately €13 billion in net asset value as of March 31, 2026, per its own website [S1].
What they buy
GBL maintains a portfolio split between listed equity stakes and direct private investments [S1]. The firm’s listed holdings span consumer goods, industrial services, and specialty materials companies, while its direct private assets include healthcare services, consumer leisure, and technology businesses [S2]. The portfolio reflects a diversified European focus across both public and private markets, with investments ranging from multinational corporations to privately held operating companies [S1][S2].
Portfolio
Listed assets
GBL holds equity positions in adidas, Concentrix, Imerys, Ontex, Pernod Ricard, and SGS [S2].
Direct private assets
The firm’s private holdings include Affidea, Canyon, Parques Reunidos, Sanoptis, and Voodoo [S1].
Recent activity (last 24 months)
* July 8, 2026: Acquired BUKO Group [S3]
* May 28, 2026: Acquired Rayner [S3]
* February 25, 2026: Exited Umicore [S3]
* November 18, 2025: Sold 19.6 million shares of Umicore [S3]
* March 6, 2025: Sold 8.5 million shares of SGS SA [S3]
How this firm fits a seller
GBL operates as a permanent capital vehicle rather than a traditional fund structure, which may appeal to sellers seeking long-term ownership without predetermined exit timelines. The firm’s recent acquisitions of BUKO Group and Rayner in 2026 demonstrate continued appetite for direct private investments alongside its listed portfolio [S3]. The firm maintains offices across six European cities including Brussels, London, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, and Paris, suggesting regional operating capabilities [S1]. For sellers in healthcare services or consumer sectors with European operations, GBL’s existing portfolio companies in these verticals may indicate sector familiarity.
Sources
[S1] https://www.gbl.com (as of 2026-03-31)
[S2] https://www.gbl.com/en/portfolio/listed-assets (as of 2026-07-17)
[S3] https://www.gbl.com/en/media-center/press-releases (as of 2026-07-08)
Frequently asked questions
Does GBL buy healthcare businesses?
GBL holds healthcare-related assets in its direct private portfolio, including Affidea and Sanoptis [S1]. The firm’s May 2026 acquisition of Rayner further demonstrates activity in the healthcare sector [S3].
What companies has GBL acquired recently?
GBL acquired BUKO Group in July 2026 and Rayner in May 2026, per press releases on its website [S3]. These represent the firm’s most recent publicly disclosed acquisitions as of mid-2026.
Where is GBL based and how big is the firm?
GBL is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with additional offices in London, Luxembourg, Milan, Munich, and Paris [S1]. The firm reported approximately €13 billion in net asset value as of March 31, 2026 [S1].
Is GBL still actively acquiring?
Yes, GBL completed two acquisitions in the first seven months of 2026 (BUKO Group and Rayner), indicating ongoing acquisition activity [S3].
This profile is maintained by CT Acquisitions as an independent third-party reference. CT Acquisitions is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a representative of the firm profiled. All facts sourced from publicly available materials as of the dates cited.