Dutch and Belgian news agencies ANP and Belga News Agency are joining forces under a new photo and video platform for the Benelux market which will launch in the fall of 2026.
Customers from each agency will be able to access the collections of both ANP Foto and Belgaimage, via a single, shared platform. A name or branding for the new agency has not been release yet – PAN checked.
Key partnership points:
• Keeping their existing brands both agencies will operate from a single central platform, managed by a new Dutch legal entity.
• Employees from both agencies will contribute, while the editorial and production autonomy of both agencies will remain guaranteed.
• The new agency/’platform’ will centralise export, infringements, and sales & marketing, and will offer the best visual content.
PAN reader, the Head of Images at Belgaimage, Philippe François told us: “For the past 19 years, I have been editor-in-chief of the Belga photo and video editorial team, a position I will continue to hold. In addition, I will be responsible for the content of the new platform. This emphasises the commitment of both agencies to entrust such a position to an active journalist in the age of artificial intelligence. Reliability and truthfulness will therefore be key values that we want to convey through this platform.”
Patrick Lacroix, General Manager of Belga says: “This collaboration is a logical and strategic step”. Martha Riemsma, General Manager of ANP, adds: “Through this joint initiative, we not only strengthen our position in the European image market, but we also build an infrastructure ready for the future.”