QBS Group acquires majority share of Microsoft channel training specialists Plataan

Netherlands-based Microsoft value-added distributor QBS Group announced it has acquired a majority share in Belgium-based partner training specialist firm Plataan.

Founded in 2005, Plataan has provided trainings services to over a thousand Microsoft partners and has competencies in Dynamics 365 Business Central, Customer Engagement, Power BI, SQL Server, and Microsoft Office 365, the company reports.

In a statement, QBS Group explained that the deal supports their global strategy:

This transaction is an important step in the strategy of QBS Group to enhance the portfolio of partner growth services delivered to the worldwide Dynamics partner channel. It perfectly fits in the vision of the group to be the most preferred community and center of expertise for every Dynamics professional in the world.

In 2019, QBS Group  acquired the majority of the shares in strategic partner 1ClickFactory.  In 2020 QBS became the majority shareholder in MindsUnited, a software and services firm with a focus on Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and Power Platform.

As a training-focused business, Plataan reported an "accelerated intake" of their virtual Business Central training programs in the last year.

In the announcement, Louis Rustenhoven, CEO of QBS Group & 1ClickFactory stated: