In Conversation With: Arjan Stroomberg, SVP Head of M&A, Lumine Group
At Lumine Group, acquisitions are driven by our buy-and-hold forever model and a deep understanding of the communications and media industry. SVP and Head of M&A, Arjan Stroomberg shares how Lumine’s disciplined approach, supported by proven playbooks and processes, enables the team to identify and close deals efficiently.
In our latest installment of the In Conversation With series, we sit down with Arjan, who reflects on what makes Lumine a trusted acquirer. From the 2025 acquisition of Vidispine to the broader portfolio strategy, he explains how sellers recognize Lumine’s expertise and thoughtful model, one that’s designed to support autonomy while fostering long-term growth.
Watch the video below and read on to explore Arjan’s perspective on leadership, deal execution, and Lumine’s commitment to building a resilient and expanding portfolio.
Q: What sets Lumine’s acquisition philosophy apart?
Arjan: We are a highly structured acquirer, with defined processes and playbooks that guide every stage of the M&A journey, from initiation to execution and post-acquisition. Our playbooks are purpose-built for the communications and media sector, enabling us to quickly identify the key business levers and form a clear perspective early in the process. This approach also positions us to deliver sustained value over the long term.
Q: What current M&A trends are you noticing in the industry?
Arjan: We are seeing large global businesses divest non-core assets. To date, we have completed 15 carve-out transactions, driving great learnings and strengthening our expertise within the communications and media software industry.
Q: Can you tell us about a recent carve-out transaction?
Arjan: One recent example is Vidispine, our acquisition from Arvato Systems, a subsidiary of Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA. This was our first acquisition headquartered in Germany, and a key factor in our success was earning the confidence of the local management team from the outset. They appreciated our carve-out experience, our industry knowledge, and our ability to provide a long-term, secure, and supportive home for both their employees and their customers.
Q: What excites you about the communications and media software industry?
Arjan: First and foremost, it is a truly global industry, built on global standards. Working in that environment is exciting, as is the fact that it is inherently technology-driven. Technology and product innovation play a central role in how the industry evolves. Having spent time in communications and media myself, I quickly recognized that these sectors power economies and enable businesses to thrive. At Lumine, the companies we acquire form part of a broader ecosystem. Together, they help end customers deliver better services, enhance the customer experience, and operate their networks more efficiently. I believe Lumine has a significant opportunity to become the global leader in vertical market software for media and communications, which makes this an incredibly exciting space to be in.
Q: What makes a company stand out as a potential acquisition target for Lumine?
Arjan: We acquire companies of various sizes and profiles, spanning different revenue levels, product offerings, geographies, and customer segments. What we consistently look for are high-quality software businesses. These are typically characterized by high recurring revenue, mission-critical solutions, and, ideally, profitability. When a business is not yet profitable, we have the expertise to guide it there, while supporting its growth. Our goal is to build a portfolio of stable, growing, and profitable businesses that complement one another within our broader ecosystem.
The communications and media sector is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to building a portfolio of businesses that not only adapt to this change but help shape it. By combining deep industry expertise with a disciplined acquisition approach, we create lasting value for our companies, their customers, and the broader ecosystem.
If you’re exploring how to scale your software business, or thinking about what comes next for your company, we’d love to connect.