Ventura Systems partners with BODE supported by Waterland and reinvesting Ventura founders

Ventura Systems enters next phase of growth, partnering with BODE to form a European group for public transport door systems – partnership supported by Waterland and reinvesting Ventura founders

Bolsward, 03 June 2026 – Ventura Systems is joining forces with BODE, a Germany-based specialist in rail door systems, creating a European group for public transport door systems. The parties have agreed not to disclose financial details of the transaction. Closing is subject to customary regulatory approvals and conditions.

The rationale of combining the two companies is centered around capability-building and faster innovation to support customers around the globe. Significant additional investments will be made with a focus on innovation, international expansion, and talent.

The company will continue to operate under their existing brand, with teams and organisational structures remaining unchanged. Ventura remains headquartered in Bolsward, maintaining its strong roots in the Friesland region, while opening up new opportunities for employees in a growing company with global reach.

Since its founding, Ventura Systems has grown into a well-positioned supplier of door systems for buses, with a strong track record in engineering quality and reliability. The company serves customers across Europe, North America, Asia and other international markets, employing more than 300 people worldwide.

Clients increasingly demand partners of size and financial strength

Public transport is a long-term growth market, supported by urbanization, sustainability targets, and continued investment in infrastructure globally. Across both rail and bus segments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and public transport operators (PTOs) increasingly require high-specification, durable solutions – reinforcing the importance of trusted, technically capable suppliers with high-quality after-sales service capabilities. Implementing complex projects with multi-year time horizons, OEMs have a natural preference for partners with significant size and strong balance sheets, as delivered by a new European group formed by the combination of Ventura and BODE.

Combined company to further improve quality and speed of delivery

In combination with BODE, Ventura will pursue an accelerated growth strategy with the ambition to build on its strong European base and develop the new group into a leading global partner for train and bus manufacturers (OEMs) and public transport operators (PTOs). Ventura’s clients will benefit from the move as the company will be able to expand the product and service offering, strengthen innovation capabilities and further improve speed and quality of customer service as a part of the new group.  This includes further investment into after-sales service as well as reciprocal access to after-sales networks globally, ensuring that PTOs are able to deliver a seamless journey to their end-customers. Ultimately, the combined engineering and innovation capabilities will support faster development and delivery of products and services.

Jeroen de Nooijer, Founder of Ventura Systems, said:
“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Ventura Systems. Over the years, we have built a strong international business based on innovation, engineering excellence and long-term customer relationships. In Bode and Waterland, we have found partners who share our ambition and values, and who can help accelerate our growth while preserving the culture that has made Ventura successful. This gives us the opportunity to continue building on what we have created, while strengthening our capabilities for clients. Underlining our continued commitment and dedication to the business, we as Ventura’s founders make a significant reinvestment into the combined company.”

Thomas Giebisch, CEO of BODE, said:
“Ventura is a highly respected specialist with a strong track record in bus door systems and an impressive international customer base. We share the same commitment to engineering excellence, reliability and long-term customer partnerships. Bringing BODE and Ventura together creates a stronger foundation for future growth and innovation across public transport. We look forward to building this next chapter together, with continuity for our teams and customers and a clear ambition to become an even stronger partner to the industry.”

Tomas Simons, Partner at Waterland Private Equity, said:
„Ventura has built a strong position in a highly specialised market, with a clear focus on engineering quality and reliability. We see compelling opportunities to support the company in its further development, both organically and through the combination with BODE. Our approach is to work closely with management and provide the resources needed to support long-term growth, while preserving the company’s strengths and culture.“

Altum Corporate Finance advised Ventura’s founders on the transaction.