Great news! Public Matters and Whyte Corporate Affairs join forces to create new Benelux market leader

The Hague, 9 October 2025 – Dutch consultancy Public Matters (The Hague, Amsterdam, and Brussels) and Belgian consultancy Whyte Corporate Affairs (Brussels, Antwerp) are joining forces to form the largest independent corporate affairs advisory group in the Benelux. At the same time, they are launching Whyte EU, a new European public affairs agency based in Brussels.

A Benelux powerhouse in corporate affairs

Public Matters and Whyte Corporate Affairs, headquartered respectively in The Hague and Brussels, share the same vision and approach: integrating public affairs and corporate communication. Both firms support organizations in navigating complex stakeholder environments, anticipating regulation, managing issues, and handling change and reputational risks.

While both consultancies will continue to operate independently in their home markets, together they can meet the growing demand from international clients for an integrated Benelux proposition. Clients benefit from broader regional coverage, cross-border strategies, deep local insights, and specialized expertise – all driven by an entrepreneurial culture and a shared focus on safeguarding their license to operate.

With more than 85 multidisciplinary consultants, the group advises clients on societal challenges and strategic communication across the Benelux. In addition, the launch of Whyte EU provides clients with direct access to strategic expertise focused on EU policy and decision-making in Brussels. The group also explicitly expresses its ambition to continue expanding – both within the Benelux and across the broader European context.

Continuity and leadership

The day-to-day management of Public Matters will remain in the hands of Partners Pieter Walraven, Bas Batelaan, and Tom Brouwer. Together, they will continue to invest in the joint organization and play a key role in its further growth and development. In addition, Bas Batelaan and Pieter Walraven will take part in the leadership of the new group. Founder Peter van Keulen will remain associated with Public Matters as an Associate for at least another year.

“Whyte Corporate Affairs and Public Matters are a natural match. We are both market leaders and share the same values: independence, excellence, and entrepreneurship. Together, we offer our clients a broader perspective, greater specialization, and more impact – in the Netherlands and throughout the Benelux. With the addition of Whyte EU, we further strengthen our position in Brussels and expand the opportunities for our international clients.”
— Bas Batelaan, Tom Brouwer, and Pieter Walraven, Partners, Public Matters

“This important step marks a new chapter for Whyte Corporate Affairs. By joining forces with Public Matters and launching Whyte EU, we are building a truly Benelux-wide consultancy that combines deep local expertise with a strong European perspective. Whyte EU enables us to bring organizations even closer to the heart of European decision-making. Our ambition is to help them thrive in a rapidly changing environment – with integrity, creativity, and impact.”
— Joris Bulteel and Eveline De Ridder, Founding Partners, Whyte Corporate Affairs