Discover how Val Dieu Brewery revolutionized its management through its collaboration with Unibox Group in 2015.
“Beyond the financial support, it’s also the establishment of a management committee that meets once a month, legal support, accounting, marketing…
For us, it was truly a different way of approaching things and it allowed us to structure ourselves.”
How did you meet Unibox Group?
Initially, we contacted them as part of a commercial approach. That was in 2015.
It so happened that at that time, my nephew, who was my partner, had plans to sell his shares and had already begun the process. During a conversation, Unibox expressed interest.
We had several potential buyers, but I was looking for a partner who could take over all the administrative management that my partner handled. I was truly looking for a trusted partner and my accountant recommended their integrity.
How does your collaboration work?
Beyond the financial support, it’s also the establishment of a management committee that meets once a month, legal support, accounting, marketing…
For us, it was truly a different way of approaching things and it allowed us to structure ourselves. Before, we would start looking for staff when the need arose, we made important decisions while working, without taking the time to meet, we were working on several projects at once… Unibox brought us a different way of thinking, more structured.
For Val Dieu Brewery, this is a good thing because they make us think differently, anticipate more, have a growth perspective, which requires a different organization.
Looking back, what do you think?
I am satisfied: I have retained management of the brewery and we now have a way of working where everything is very clear. This partnership has allowed us to grow more quickly than I had hoped, from a commercial standpoint, but also organizationally.
I have children who are following in my footsteps, we work as a family, it’s important to me that this continues and the partnership allows for that entirely. The Unibox team becomes just as involved as I am and it only keeps growing.
Would you recommend this support to another entrepreneur?
Yes, provided they are not a hothead.
You must be willing to accept advice, make certain decisions more collectively, not control everything, make concessions…
Yes, for the open-mindedness, to do different things, learn every day and focus more on one project at a time.
