UPIC

Founded in 2017, the Union of Professional Intermediaries in Business Transfers and Acquisitions (UPIC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and defending the profession of intermediaries and experts in business acquisitions and transfers in Belgium. UPIC brings together professionals specializing in business transfers and acquisitions, offering a platform for collaboration, training, and advocacy. UPIC is committed to enhancing the visibility of the intermediary profession among various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs (sellers and buyers), institutions (federations and public bodies), and the academic community (teachers and students). The organization aims to highlight the unique aspects of the profession while emphasizing its differences and complementarities with other professions and institutional bodies involved in mergers, sales, or acquisition processes. To achieve its mission, UPIC undertakes several key actions: Maintaining ongoing contact among its members to facilitate the examination of issues related to professional intermediation in business sales and transfers. Establishing and maintaining relationships with regional, national, and international public authorities, as well as other relevant stakeholders, to ensure the proper functioning of the profession. Promoting the professionalism of its members and their interventions, within the framework of the official recognition of the profession of intermediary in business sales and transfers. Fostering training for its members in areas related to intermediation in business sales and transfers, to guarantee their expertise and continuous professional development. Defending, vis-à-vis any third party (public or private), the fundamental nature of the independence of UPIC members. By carrying out these missions, UPIC aspires to strengthen the professionalism and recognition of intermediation in the sale and transfer of businesses for the benefit of its members and the entire sector. In this sense, the Union becomes the spokesperson for the profession, defending its interests with clients and public services. For its members, UPIC organizes several activities annually to maintain ongoing contact: Organization of "UPIC Lunchtime Meetings" where members have the opportunity to exchange best practices, market trends, etc. Organization of training sessions on topics specific to or complementary to business transfers: taxation, environment, labor law, regulatory aspects, etc. Networking events, including an end-of-year meal for members. As a promoter of the profession of intermediary and expert in mergers and acquisitions, UPIC also organizes external thematic conferences on business transfers, highlighting the role and contributions of a merger/transfer/acquisition firm. UPIC upholds several core values to ensure quality intermediation in business transfers and acquisitions: Objectivity : Providing clients and principals with clear and precise written contracts, fully informing them, and maintaining transparency regarding any factors that may influence the accepted assignment. Expertise : Offering strong professional capabilities through specialized training and experience in business transfers, enabling high-quality support. Confidentiality : Respecting and protecting the confidentiality of information entrusted to us, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Independence : Guaranteeing complete independence and avoiding any conflict of interest with other professions. Adequate Resources : Accepting only assignments for which we have sufficient human and material resources, ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery. Honorability : Treating clients, partners, colleagues, and all third parties with courtesy, integrity, and respect, thereby establishing a relationship of mutual trust. The UPIC Board of Directors is responsible for strategic decision-making and overseeing the Union's day-to-day operations. It is composed of qualified and experienced members from member companies who contribute their skills and expertise to guide the Union towards success. The board defines the Union's objectives and strategic directions, oversees its activities, ensures the sound management of financial and human resources, and guarantees compliance with applicable regulations. In Belgium, a significant tax reform will come into effect in 2026: the taxation of capital gains on shares. On Tuesday, June 17th, UPIC was pleased to host a conference dedicated to this central topic, reflecting our commitment to keeping members informed about critical developments affecting our profession. For any questions, concerns, or comments regarding UPIC, please feel free to contact us.