LifeWorks has bought Netherlands-based mental health and wellbeing provider Ascender.
The firm, which has 38 employees will be integrated into LifeWorks’ global operations and continue to operate in the Netherlands on a largely stand-alone basis, servicing clients in the Benelux region.
Ascender is a long-standing provider in the corporate wellbeing market in the Netherlands and has a strong roster of around 150 clients, with an average tenure of 10 years.
The acquisition will leverage the skills, knowledge and experience Ascender’s teams and services that include psychological services related to health@work, employee assistance programmes, counselling, and training through a team of highly credentialed psychologists, while giving Ascender access to LifeWorks clinical best practices, digital technology and worldwide presence.
LifeWorks says this move will allow it to continue its expansion into domestic European markets, and harness the existing relationships with insurance providers, hospitals and care companies as well as nationals and multi-nationals working out of the region post-Brexit.
LifeWorks managing director, UK and Europe Philip Mullen says: “Throughout the pandemic we have witnessed a huge appetite amongst multinationals and local companies to support the total wellbeing of employees that are now spread across the world.
“The acquisition of Ascender will not only strengthen our presence in this region, but in addition, given Ascender offers a full suite of clinical expertise and research, our hope is that the company’s insight on psychological wellbeing can further enhance our customer offering on a global level.”
Moniek Vossenaar, managing director, Ascender adds: “Joining LifeWorks represents an important step for Ascender’s growth, the services we provide and the opportunities for our employees.
“The companies have a shared goal to improve the total wellbeing of our clients’ employees, and shared values of long-term relationships, treating others the way we want to be treated, and being innovative and entrepreneurial. We’re positive this acquisition will be beneficial to both companies and all parties involved.”
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