History

How we become your partner in emerging markets

In 1975, Joan Larive was engaged by the Algemene Bank Nederland (predecessor of ABN AMRO) to obtain a banking license in Japan. He experienced various challenges from a regulatory, language, and business culture perspective. He, therefore, decided to employ a team of local Japanese experts with a background in the financial sector, allowing him to reach his goal. The birth of our business concept. Soon after, Joan and his family established a network of representatives in the emerging markets in Asia, a franchise-based model with (exclusive) members per country – the Larive Group. Each member is owned and managed by local entrepreneurs (ethnic locals or localised foreigners) with deep roots in the country, strong local networks and a broad understanding of the local business environment. Over the last five decades, the Larive Group has evolved along with macro-economic developments globally and will do so for the decades to come.

Here we are

In 2018, the leadership of Larive International transitioned to the fourth-generation owners. The three current partners have all grown through the ranks of Larive. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands from where we serve our clients.

Nowadays, the Larive Group is represented in 24 countries throughout Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Sub-Saharan Africa, altogether bundling the capabilities of over 300 strategic business development experts.

We are proud to serve many leading Western-headquartered companies with becoming more successful in emerging markets. Although being an industry generalist, Larive typically has a strong position in the agri-food, automotive/mobility, and energy sectors.

In addition, Larive is successfully implementing Public-Private Partnerships in emerging markets in Asia and Africa in the field of agri-food. The added value of our activities is that we realise public policy goals through corporate strategies.

Our clients value us for:

Our entrepreneurial attitude and taking ownership.
We get things done by being proactive and hands-on.
We develop and maintain partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.
We achieve a deep understanding of the business opportunities for our clients and convert this into winning strategies (growth acceleration).

Our direction

It is our ambition to develop a leading position in Agri & food production, more sustainable protein production (aquaculture and alt-proteins), sustainable mobility solutions (EV and smart grids), and energy efficiency (renewables and circularity). By doing so we aim to become the most valued strategic business development advisory firm specialised in assisting Western-headquartered companies in developing and implementing their market entry or expansion strategies in(to) emerging markets.

Local presence

We are rooted in over 24 countries and have local expertise and resources to support you all the way from business intelligence through market entry strategy development into successful local implementation. Larive International offers local presence in emerging markets, combined with a dedicated contact in your home market for optimal information and communication. The best of both worlds.

Can do mentality

Operating in emerging markets is all about pushing boundaries and maintaining a ‘can do mentality’. It’s an attitude that embraces challenges with enthusiasm, creativity, and a firm belief that anything can be achieved through collaboration and determination. With this mindset, we are driven to find innovative solutions and deliver outstanding results for their clients.

Emerging market expert

We focus exclusively on doing business in emerging markets. This makes us the expert on business development in Africa, Asia, and Central and Eastern Europe. Throughout the years we have supported a wide range of multinational companies and (niche) SMEs, predominately active in the agri-food, automotive, energy, and (equipment) manufacturing industries. In addition, we service several national and multi-lateral public organizations. Larive International is your partner in emerging markets.

Why

We are passionate about emerging markets! Doing business in emerging markets can be extremely rewarding. Yet good initiatives in new markets too often tend to fail. Local know-how is the key ingredient for any venture’s success in new markets. That is why Larive International started in 1975 by investing in local presence, and we continue to do so today.

How

Thanks to our local presence in over 24 countries across the globe, Larive International is able to provide expert advice and practical assistance to make your overseas business a success. We have unique business intelligence, a network with deeply embedded local teams in Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and over 30+ years of experience. We love to make a difference with our hands-on mentality.

What

We develop business in emerging markets. We shorten the time, lower the costs and reduce the risks. Our services include business and market intelligence, strategy development, and market entry implementation support. Larive supports a wide range of multinational companies and (niche) SMEs, predominately active in the agri-food, automotive, energy, and (equipment) manufacturing industries.

Contact

When do we match?

When you have the ambition to enter emerging markets in Africa, Asia or Europe with a solid strategy.
When you need intelligence from an independent advisor who is deeply connected to the local networks.
When you want a direct contact in your home market for efficient communication.
When you choose to benefit from 45+ years of experience with business development in emerging markets.