Growth story
Strategic acquisitions accelerated PHM’s growth into the leading property services company in the Nordics
During the partnership of PHM Group and Intera Partners, PHM has experienced rapid growth and international expansion. Since the beginning of the collaboration in 2018, the company has expanded in Finland and to other Nordic countries through numerous acquisitions. Significant first milestones on the joint growth journey included the company’s expansion to Sweden. PHM continues its growth and internationalization – through a broader ownership base the company has expanded its operations further in Finland and Sweden and started operations in Norway, Denmark and Germany.
PHM is a leading Nordic property services operator focused on residential properties. The company offers a diverse range of services related to property usage and upkeep.
PHM Group consists of the best companies in the industry that serve their customers locally, listening to their needs and desires. The company operates throughout Finland and has expanded to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. Its strengths lie in excellent digital expertise and successful automation of services. The company has also focused on streamlining sales and management processes. Sustainability is emphasized in all areas of the company’s operations, and alongside growth, PHM aims to take excellent care of people and the environment.
Intera joined PHM Group’s growth story as a majority owner in 2018. During the first 18 months of the partnership, the foundation for future growth was built, with investments in leadership and processes. The company expanded to Sweden and strengthened its presence in Finland through acquisitions. Within the first 18 months of collaboration, PHM Group completed 19 acquisitions. In addition to internationalization, investments in management, and acquisitions, digitalization and sustainability have been strong focal points of the partnership.
In March 2020, Norwegian private equity investor Norvestor acquired a majority stake in PHM Group, while Intera remained a minority owner. In the same year, PHM Group and Kotikatu merged to form the leading property services company in the Nordic region. In recent years, PHM has further expanded into the Norwegian and Danish markets, and in 2022, PHM expanded its operations into Germany by acquiring the German property services company Schultz Gruppen.
During Intera’s partnership with PHM as a majority and minority owner, and thanks to long-term efforts, the company’s revenue has increased from 40 million euros in 2018 to 550 million euros in 2022. Additionally, the company’s organisation and management have been significantly strengthened during Intera’s ownership.
“The collaboration with Intera has been enriching, rewarding, and flourishing as PHM has achieved a leading position in the Nordic property services field in recent years and expanded towards the Central European markets. Good management and supportive ownership have been key to our growth. We also owe a great deal of gratitude to our skilled personnel and all our customers. In particular, Intera’s courage and experience in internationalization have been truly valuable. We wouldn’t have ventured into other countries on our own,” says Ville Rantala, CEO of PHM Group.
In the future, PHM aims to further increase its revenue and expand its foothold in the Nordic region and Central Europe.
“The goal of the partnership has been to accelerate PHM Group’s growth and internationalization through strategic acquisitions. Together, we have successfully achieved these goals and purposefully expanded the company’s business into the Nordic and Central European markets. We are pleased to contribute to PHM’s growth and internationalization,” summarizes Tuomas Sarkola, partner at Intera and member of PHM Group’s board.
In addition to a determined and ambitious growth plan, PHM Group’s strengths lie in operational efficiency and positive employee experiences. The company’s vision is to become the leading local property services partner in all its operating countries. The company, consisting of 6,900 professionals and 116 local companies, aims to expand its operations to new areas in the future.
Facts:
Industry: Property maintenance services
Established: 1993
Investment year: 2018
Intera’s transition to minority ownership: 2020
Key figures at the time of investment (2018):
Revenue: €40 million
Number of employees: 500
Locations: 11
Key figures upon Intera’s transition to minority ownership (March 2020):
Revenue: €120 million
Number of employees: 1,200
Locations: 30
Current key figures (2022):
Revenue: €550 million
Number of employees: 6,900
Locations: 116