In 1989 Theo Vaes and Guy Nuytemans founded Antwerp Business Center (ABC), following the traditional model. After a few years, a five-year program of regeneration and a top-to-bottom reorganization was set up. The range of services was significantly expanded and ABC was now able to take on anything which was not part of a business's core activities.

In 2000 Theo Vaes took a sabbatical year. He travelled around the world in search of enterprises which were doing things differently from Antwerp Business Center. This voyage of discovery resulted in a "best practice" exercise. The conclusions were implemented in a business model, resulting in a never-ending process of innovation. The goals of ABC go beyond mere improvements. ABC goes for continuous improvement, which is part of the company culture.

In 2005 ABC started its China strategy and with success. By 2006, in the framework of the China strategy of the Flemish Government, ABC was recognized as the Flemish service center for Chinese companies in Antwerp. The Chinese companies enjoy the optimal infrastructure of ABC and the support of Flemish experts in the field of management, finance and market research. ABC built a reputation as a resourceful organization for foreign businesses and by 2008 ABC was recognized as a strategic business center for foreign investors. ABC continued to specialize itself in serving the needs of Chinese enterprises.

In 2011 already one third of all Chinese entrepreneurs and companies in Belgium had chosen ABC as their strategic base to do business in Belgium and Europe. In the same year Antwerp Business Center externalized its China strategy and ABC Services was born.

ABC Services is a platform for Chinese companies doing business in Europe and is specialized in mergers and acquisitions. ABC Services is also able to facilitate Chinese companies with an optimal infrastructure, other (financial) services and market research.