20 years of AED-Partner!
From a one-person operation to the market leader in the Benelux: This year, we celebrate that AED-Partner is turning 20! Our journey has been one of hard work, beautiful moments, and always coming together. Jan Smale delved into our history.
The Start in '03
AED-Partner began in 2003 as Vivon, a company specializing in BHV matters such as evacuation plans. Soon after, the then-owner Stephan Hulsbergen also started selling AEDs. He sold 150 AEDs of his first brand in record time. Until a recall occurred... and the brand went bankrupt. It was a major setback, but he persevered. Through word of mouth, Vivon eventually became a distributor for Philips and later our brand, Cardiac Science.
2007: New Owner Jan
Sales were on the rise, and so was the workload. Time to hire staff! In 2007, just after three employees had started, Stephan put Vivon up for sale. Just as it was done back then, in a magazine ad between businesses for sale and wanted ads. It said, "Wellness company for sale." That caught my attention, and after some online research, I called Stephan. The company was named Vivon, while I was in the process of establishing a holding company with the name Vivens. It was meant to be, so I went for it. Within 4 months, we had a deal, and the financing was secured.
A Fresh Start
At that time, we immediately transitioned to multibrand. We also expanded our service because we wanted to do something for first responders. After all, the use of an AED is no small matter. Since then, we have always been on-site within 6 hours after an intervention, for AED maintenance and as a listening ear.
Proud of AED-Alert
Around that time, we also started developing AED-Alert for emergency call centers in the Netherlands. It became a big success: when a 112 call was made regarding a cardiac arrest, this software would immediately send an SMS to citizen rescuers. AED-Alert was active in 50% of all emergency call centers at that time, and our recognition grew rapidly. The ambulance service acquired AED-Alert in 2012 and developed it into HartslagNu. It is remarkable that we were instrumental in this!
Growth
Between 2011 and 2018, we experienced significant growth. We merged with our fellow companies Clinitec (importer of Cardiac Science) and Vita Nova Supra Belgium. We also made several acquisitions in the Netherlands and Belgium, including AED Service Nederland and AED.nl. In addition, we also grew autonomously very fast, doubling our turnover between 2015 and 2018.
A New Home
With our growth, new company premises in the Netherlands and Belgium were, of course, necessary. In 2018, we moved from Ekkersrijt 1121 to our new, sustainable building at number 4301. Right on the main road and with plenty of space. In Belgium, we also moved to a new location in Genk (we are now located in Beringen). At these new locations, we continued to grow. In the meantime, we are not only the official distributor of ZOLL, Cardiac Science, and Philips but also Mindray is now 'our' brand.
Under the Wings of SK Fire/Chubb
At the end of 2019, we decided to sell AED-Partner to SK Fire/Chubb (now part of APi Group). A choice that opens all kinds of doors but allows our entrepreneurship - fortunately - to continue.
One Team
And although the past few years have been hectic with delivery issues in the industry, it's good to see that we continue to make it work. Not only since 2019 but also before that, we have delivered an enormous performance. In many different compositions and circumstances, and yet always as one team. I find everyone's enthusiasm for resuscitation one of the most beautiful things to see. Just like the collaboration between Belgian and Dutch colleagues!
And from now on?
We are becoming an increasingly professional club. In the coming years, we will continue to grow and want to establish a position outside the Benelux as well. And that can be done nicely under the wings of SK Fire/Chubb.
But first... our anniversary weekend! Because without our people, 20 years of AED-Partner would not have been possible. Where exactly we are going is still a surprise for everyone, but one thing is for sure, it will be cozy and fun!
Jan Smale
October 5, 2023
