I-care is proud to announce a major step forward in its strategic development with the acquisition of SDT International, a long-standing Belgian company and pioneer in the field of ultrasound predictive maintenance. This merger, dubbed “Harmonizing Waves”, brings together two complementary areas of expertise to serve a common ambition: to redefine global standards in predictive maintenance.
This acquisition reinforces Belgium’s position as the epicenter of innovation in predictive
maintenance. SDT International, founded in 1975, brings to the I-care group its expertise
in ultrasound technology, its worldwide distribution network and its philosophy based on
the values of respect, flexibility and simplicity. The company will retain its historic
headquarters in Forest and its operational autonomy, while benefiting from synergies with
the I-care group.
A strategic alliance for customers and technologies
This merger marks a significant turning point for I-care customers. From now on, a single platform, I-see, will integrate complementary vibration and ultrasound predictive maintenance technologies. This centralized solution will considerably simplify the customer experience, offering a single tool for detecting anomalies, optimizing equipment performance, managing energy efficiency and controlling lubrication.
Technologically speaking, vibration and ultrasound – two key disciplines in predictive
maintenance – are now combined on the same platform. This combination will provide
even finer and more precise analysis of industrial assets, setting a new benchmark in
equipment performance management.
The acquisition was entirely equity-financed, illustrating I-care’s financial strength and
commitment to investing in strategic initiatives to reinforce its role as a global leader in
the field.
“This strategic union marks an important milestone for I-care, reinforcing our global
leadership role and illustrating our commitment to technological excellence and customer
service.” Fabrice Brion, CEO of I-care
“Joining the I-care group this year, which marks SDT International’s 50th anniversary, is
a symbolic way of honoring the work of my grandfather and father, who built this company
with passion and determination,” says Benoît Degraeve, CEO of SDT International.
This decision goes beyond a simple strategic choice: it further positions Belgium as the
center of maintenance expertise for the two world-renowned companies. It’s a
commitment of which both CEOs are deeply proud.
“I’m convinced that by pooling the intelligence and skills of our teams, we’ll be able to
accelerate the development of even more innovative solutions. In an ever-changing world,
this shared commitment will enable us to help manufacturers improve their performance
while meeting current and future environmental challenges”, emphasizes Benoît
Degraeve, CEO of SDT International.
Renewed governance while respecting history
This merger is accompanied by structural changes in governance, while respecting the
heritage, values and continuity of SDT International. André Degraeve, an emblematic
figure in the company, is taking a well-deserved retirement, while retaining an office in
Forest and an observer role on the SDT International Board of Directors. Benoit Degraeve
remains CEO of SDT International, and his sister Pauline Degraeve is a director and
CHRO. Allan Rienstra also retains his directorship of the company. Fabrice Brion, co-
founder and CEO of I-care, becomes Chairman of the Board of SDT International.
The partnership is based on a shared vision and the pooling of resources, particularly in
R&D, production and administration. This collaboration will enable the I-care group to
accelerate innovation, strengthen production capacities and offer solutions that are even
better adapted to customer needs.
About I-care:
The I-care group is the market leader in predictive maintenance, monitoring hundreds of
thousands of industrial machines worldwide. Our mission is to change the way the world
works. Our AI and data-driven solutions predict industrial failures months or even years
before they occur. Thanks to I-care, machines around the world are safer, more
productive and more sustainable. Founded in 2004 in Mons, Belgium, I-care employs
over 850 people, has 36 offices in 16 countries (Asia-Pacific, EMEA and the USA) and
has customers in over 55 countries. I-care was named EY Company of the Year 2020 in
Belgium.
About SDT International:
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Forest, Belgium, SDT International is a world
leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of ultrasonic measurement devices dedicated to energy savings and condition monitoring solutions, offering cutting-
edge technologies to meet the varied needs of industry.
