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Equals Three doubles in size with acquisition of KAN and injects technology into proven growth system

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Growth partner Equals Three acquires Antwerp-based KAN, an established name in branding and technology. With this move, the agency doubles to 35 employees and takes its first steps into the US. The integration enriches its existing expertise in finance, innovation, and branding with AI and automation into one powerful engine. In doing so, it enables companies to grow more easily in an increasingly complex environment.

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According to co-founder Orlando Thuysbaert, this marks a deliberate break from the traditional model. “There are currently no agencies that bring these domains together, let alone guide clients towards building an internal, sustainable growth engine. Growth should not only be visible in output, but also on the bottom line.”

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From fragmentation to an integrated advisory model

Equals Three was founded in 2012 as an innovation agency and has grown into a partner that supports companies through every phase of growth, both organically and inorganically. In addition to product innovation, brand creation, and marketing, the agency offers support in company valuation, exit planning, and M&A. This financial component now represents more than a quarter of the total revenue.

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With KAN, Equals Three brings in nearly 40 years of accumulated expertise in strategy, design, and digital development, including a proprietary AI model already used by clients. Within Equals Three, this platform will gain additional scale and application.

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According to co-founder Mathias Schaubroeck, the market is no longer willing to pay two invoices for a partial solution. “Traditionally, finance, innovation, and marketing operate as separate silos, each with different external partners. We see that combining these disciplines not only creates a competitive advantage, but leads to measurable impact on company value. When growth becomes complex, we make it clear and actionable again.”

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Superpower through a proprietary AI platform

The acquisition comes at a time when both the creative sector and consultancy are under pressure. Notably, Equals Three is expanding in this context. “Where some agencies are downsizing through automation, we continue to invest. We see technology not as a threat, but as a multiplier of our model and that of our clients, with more insight, greater speed, and stronger output at a lower investment. The time is now”, says Thomas Brouns, who joins Equals Three as a partner from the KAN management team.

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Through its proprietary tech platform, Equals Three gives companies accessible entry into a personalized environment that securely connects internal and external data sources with various AI agents and automated workflows. Not a collection of standalone tools, but a system that makes the organization smarter, accelerates processes, and improves output. Synthetic personas feed the creation of new product concepts, a configurator can convert leads up to 50% faster, an agent generates brand-aligned content, and automated competitor screening enables proactive action.

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“This allows us to strengthen both our own expertise and that of our clients with the power of technology, giving them a competitive edge that cannot easily be matched. Our model enables us to test and launch solutions that drive business growth at record speed, without requiring additional investment in tech infrastructure or development”, Brouns adds.

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Targeted consolidation

For KAN founders Hans and Marc Kan, continuity was key. They will remain involved for a period to support the integration. “We were not looking for an endpoint, but for a next phase”, says Hans Kan. “A partner that respects our expertise while reinforcing it. It also feels right that our current team and management remain on board.”

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Equals Three does not rule out further acquisitions but maintains a focused approach. “We do not grow for the sake of size”, explains partner Joëll De Smet. “We continuously build a structure that can create value for our clients, partners, and employees.”

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The agency is targeting revenue of €5 million by 2028.

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About Equals Three

Equals Three is an Antwerp-based growth partner that supports companies across three domains: business & finance, branding & marketing, and product & service innovation. By addressing challenges across these domains in an integrated way, the agency helps companies grow with greater impact. Its clients operate in both B2C and B2B sectors, including Loop Earplugs, Manna Sauces, MM Antverpia, Skill Builders, and Etion.

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About KAN

KAN is a Belgian branding and design agency with 40 years of experience. It is known for strategic brand development and a strong focus on technology and automation within branding and marketing. The agency has worked with leading local and international companies, including Colruyt Group, Roche, Coca-Cola, University of Antwerp, and Storm, building a strong reputation over the years.

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Follow Equals Three on LinkedIn and Instagram.