The challenge
With the knowledge and belief that "you can find the answers to simple questions on the internet," Bekaert, the world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coatings, looks for a professional services provider with the "competence, quality and willingness to bring solutions rather than simple answers," explains, Bert De Graeve, Bekaert’s CEO.
He believes that in PwC he’s found a firm that’s willing to listen and gives a number of viable solutions to each question the firm has.
Watch Bert De Graeve, Chairman, Bekaert, and Nancy De Beule, M&A Tax Practice Leader, PwC Belgium, discuss expectations within the client-supplier relationship.
Delivering all the options
Bekaert chooses to work with partners that have experience of different options and solutions that could be applicable to its challenges and available should the firm opt for one of them. That’s where PwC comes in, we have the capability to think in terms of solutions rather than just sending the client advice. And we work hard to understand and think along with Bekaert in the very specific environments in which Bekaert works.
"It’s not about knowing what the rule is, it’s a question of how can we apply it in our specific situation. PwC makes sure it gives advice that can be used, that’s helpful to us and brings a solution," Bert De Graeve notes.
Understanding the business context
For that to be possible, client proximity and a real understanding of Bekaert’s business and industry is essential. Something that PwC has invested time and effort in getting to know.
Bekaert is a rather unique animal in its environment, because of its size, international character and the breadth and diversity of its product portfolio. But, as Bert De Graeve points out, "if you don’t know our industry environment, it would be very difficult to help us. We look for advisors that have the breadth to at least understand the industrial environment in which we function."
Bekaert’s industry environment incorporates Automotive, Construction, Agriculture, Engineering, Mining and Oil & Gas. PwC has proven experience and expertise in these sectors, placing us in an ideal position to support Bekaert in achieving its business ambitions.
"In PwC, we’ve found a firm that’s willing to listen, and gives us a number of options of solutions to the question we have."
On hand, globally
Bekaert is a truly global player with operations in more than 36 countries and 0ver 30,000 people working all over the world in many different sectors. It requires an advisor with competencies that match its global, international and diversified needs, in different sectors.
As part of an international network, present in 743 locations in 157 countries, PwC can be present wherever Bekaert is, and help wherever the client needs us. We also have access to the different sectors in which Bekart’s involved, which according to Bert De Graeve "gives PwC the capability of being a trustworthy and integral supplier."
Together for the long term
Our international presence means we’re able to interpret rules and regulations in the same way across the globe and help Bekaert make sure that its consistent and consistently compliant for all operations.
For Bert De Graeve that means investing in long-term relationships. "We share that long-term passion and understanding with PwC. We trust each other to go for the best possible solution," he says.
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