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Ratos consolidates construction operations in new company – Sentia

Ratos

Sentia marks the creation of a leading Nordic construction group with a focus on projects with the public sector and major private sector customers. Sentia includes the subsidiaries HENT, with operations in Norway, and SSEA Group, with operations in Sweden.

The consolidation will create better conditions for sharing expertise and collaborating on large, complex projects in Norway and Sweden, enabling the subsidiaries to develop and become more competitive.

“Basically, the two companies have performed well and proved their strength, and now they will have an even better foundation. HENT and SSEA Group already collaborate, and we have seen clear synergies – not least in terms of sales. The consolidation is a natural next step to create an even stronger platform to drive growth, while maintaining good profitability. Together, the companies will have a greater impact on the Nordic construction market,” says Jonas Wiström, President and CEO of Ratos.

“Both subsidiaries will become stronger by sharing their experience, particularly in project development and collaboration/partnering. We will have a larger network of customers, a broader market platform, a larger supplier network and greater flexibility in terms of expertise and resources. Sentia will prioritise responsible growth, with a focus on safety and sustainability,” says Jan Jahren, President and CEO of HENT and Sentia.

“We share a corporate culture centered on being a team player, having short decision paths, engaging in continuous learning and having a strong desire to deliver results. The best testament to the value we can create together is the successful projects we have already collaborated on, such as Sara Kulturhus in Skellefteå, Kunskapsstaden in Kiruna and Ersta Hospital in Stockholm. All of these were large, complex projects and were handed over to very satisfied customers. Through Sentia, we will be able to deliver more successful projects and become more competitive in major tenders,” says Christian Wieland, CEO of SSEA Group and Vice President of Sentia.

HENT and SSEA Group are continuing to operate under their own brands in Norway and Sweden, but as subsidiaries of Sentia. Jan Jahren remains the head of the subsidiary HENT and is also President and CEO of Sentia, while Christian Wieland is continuing to lead the subsidiary SSEA Group (including SSEA, Vestia and Kiruna Målbygg) and serves as Vice President of Sentia.

About Sentia
The consolidation of HENT and SSEA Group, under the now joint parent company Sentia, took place in December 2024. While the subsidiaries operate locally under decentralised structures in Norway and Sweden, the consolidation will create a stronger platform for growth with robust profitability. By combining the strengths of both companies, they will be better positioned to secure more large, complex projects in a broader Nordic market.

HENT had sales of NOK 9.5 billion 2023 and approximately1,270 employees. The company has its registered office in Trondheim, but operates across Norway and has around ten active billion-krone projects. Examples of projects include Norway’s largest university building (the new life sciences building at Oslo University), two blocks in the new government district in Oslo, parts of the Fornebubanen, the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center, and six ongoing hospital projects. HENT is also building Aker’s new head office in Stavanger, which will be Norway’s largest office building. HENT’s customers include a mix of the largest public and private sector developers in Norway.

SSEA Group had sales of SEK 2 billion 2023 and approximately 150 employees. The company has its registered office in Gothenburg, but operates across Sweden. Examples of ongoing and completed projects include Ängelholm City Hall, and Foajén, one of Malmö’s most impressive office buildings, as well as several renovation projects at Landvetter Airport. SSEA Group’s main strengths involve the construction of public sector buildings, such as schools and other types of premises intended for public activities. SSEA Group also builds high security facilities. The company – whose regular customer surveys show a very high level of customer satisfaction – primarily serves the public sector and also has repeat business from major private sector developers.
www.sentiagruppen.com

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 15 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 32 billion in net sales (September LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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Kraaft – Why We Invested

Dawn

Construction is synonymous with low profitability – but at enormous scale. Worth $13 trillion globally in 2023 representing 7 percent of global gross output¹, the sector has seen productivity stagnate for decades with single digit profit margins permitting only modest investment in digitisation.  Companies typically invest 1 to 2 percent of their revenue in IT, compared with the 3 to 5 percent average across other industries². This has perpetuated the cycle of stagnation, but also presents an opportunity to transform the sector. A huge amount of value would be created with any innovation that delivers even a modest improvement in either revenue or operating costs – let alone one that could address both….

Enter Kraaft, which quickly and easily improves operations and helps construction companies make more money.

Founded by Thomas Reygagne (CEO), Marc Nègre (CPO) and Cédric Boidin (CTO) in Paris in 2020, Kraaft offers a one-stop mobile “super app” for managing construction projects. It solves the everyday problems with managing construction projects that eat away at profit margins: communication issues between HQ and site; safety hazards; complexity; lack of needed information; and lack of recording of change orders that can drive important additional revenue.

Kraaft centralises construction site activity with real-time group conversations, and features interactive project management tools for planning, photo geo-tagging, safety checks, and AI-powered workflows. With Kraaft, the head office knows exactly what is going on with projects on-site in real time, and has clear records thanks to easy report-generation and filing. Site managers automatically have their daily logs captured rather than having to re-key paper checklists or work through WhatsApps when they get home. And the tool allows firms to quickly prove they are hitting health and safety requirements and secure contracts – a key issue in the UK, one of Kraaft’s new markets. Finally, the tool allows for easy tracking and approval for change orders, avoiding disputes and delivering incremental revenue.

In short, Kraaft helps construction companies make more money. 

Construction is powered by people, so success in construction tech means success in making working lives easier. So it is crucial to the company’s success that as well as enhancing profit margins from day one, Kraaft is inexpensive to implement and construction workers actually like using the platform.

Kraaft is as accessible and easy to use as WhatsApp; it requires no user training and has already seen a very organic adoption on construction sites across Europe. It genuinely makes workers’ jobs smoother and brings joy in doing so: people have been using Kraaft for team-building as well as work purposes. Construction teams now use Kraaft to share beautiful mountain views from remote sites, celebrate birthdays, and organise after-work drinks. There are countless great, human stories with this product (not even including us on the deal team, sharing pictures from our Eurostar through to Paris for lunch with the Kraaft founders!)

This is just the beginning for Kraaft and its brilliant founding team.

Together, Thomas, Marc, and Cédric deliver tireless execution, empathic and successful customer acquisition, and the technological know-how to develop Kraaft even further and take it to the next level. They will use their Series A round to fund the development of new features – including API and Key Integrations to allow Kraaft to seamlessly connect with major US-based industry platforms like Procore – and accelerate growth across Europe, starting in the UK and Germany. Longer term, Kraaft plans to enter the US and Canadian markets. The company has already secured four North American clients without investing anything in marketing or promotion, and we are confident their success to date is just the start of a global journey.

We look forward to working alongside our friends Brick & Mortar, Chalfen Ventures, Stride VC and OSS Ventures as the Kraaft team takes on this enormous market, and urge everyone to look out for what is being Kraafted on the streets around you!

¹https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/delivering-on-construction-productivity-is-no-longer-optional
²“Gartner top strategic technology trends for 2022,” Gartner, October 2021.

 

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Gryphon Investors-Backed Repipe Specialists Acquires A-1 Total Service Plumbing

Gryphon Investors

Expanding Capabilities in Residential, Multi-Family, and Commercial Plumbing and Piping Solutions

Repipe Specialists (“Repipe”), a leading residential and commercial piping and water services company, announced today that it has acquired A-1 Total Service Plumbing (“A-1” or the “Company”), a Los Angeles area provider of residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial plumbing and lining services. Repipe is backed by middle market private equity firm Gryphon Investors. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, A-1 is a full-service provider of traditional residential and commercial plumbing services along with lining and pipe rehabilitation services. The A-1 management team will remain with the Company, and founder and owner Raymond Gray is retaining a significant ownership stake.

“We are thrilled to add A-1 to the growing Repipe team,” said Repipe’s CEO Jay Teresi. “A-1’s strong expertise in plumbing and lining services perfectly complements Repipe’s nationwide capabilities. This partnership expands our service offerings, enhances our technical expertise, and allows us to deliver more comprehensive one-stop solutions for our customers. Ray and the A-1 team share our core values, purpose, and vision: delivering high-quality piping systems and plumbing services that provide clean, clear flowing water essential to everyday life.”

“As we considered our options, joining forces with Repipe and Gryphon was the obvious choice given their added financial and operational resources, national reach, and complementary service offerings,” said Mr. Gray. “Repipe has an unmatched reputation as the premier player in the market, and we are excited for our customers and employees to benefit from the comprehensive product and service portfolio this combination offers.”

A-1 marks the first add-on acquisition that Repipe has made since being acquired in 2022 by Gryphon’s Heritage Fund, the firm’s small-cap investment strategy. Repipe is actively seeking to partner with additional businesses to further expand its premium portfolio of brands and products.

“Our aim is to be the premier provider of residential and commercial piping, lining, and plumbing services, and this acquisition helps achieve our goals,” said Jeff Pembroke, operating partner and co-head of Gryphon’s Heritage Fund. “We look forward to continued and accelerated growth as a result of this acquisition.”

About A-1 Total Service Plumbing

Founded in 2004 by Raymond Gray and headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, A-1 is a leading full-service provider of plumbing and lining services. The company operates in two segments: service plumbing and repair, and lining and pipe rehabilitation. Known for its superior quality service, A-1 has built a strong reputation for plumbing and lining services across California, Nevada and Arizona, while offering commercial lining services nationwide.

About Repipe Specialists

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Burbank, California, Repipe Specialists is a market leader in residential, multi-family, and commercial repiping. With their proven One-Stop Repipe™ process, they complete installations in just 1–2 days using high-quality materials backed by a lifetime warranty. Having repiped over 75,000 properties in more than 30 years, they are a nationally recognized leader and locally trusted for their efficient and reliable service. For more information, visit www.repipe.com.

About Gryphon Investors

Gryphon Investors is a leading middle-market private investment firm focused on profitably growing and competitively advantaged companies in the Business Services, Consumer, Healthcare, Industrial Growth, Software, and Technology Solutions & Services sectors. With approximately $10 billion of assets under management, Gryphon prioritizes investments in which it can form strong partnerships with founders, owners, and executives to accelerate the building of leading companies and generate enduring value through its integrated deal and operations business model. Gryphon’s highly differentiated model integrates its well-proven Operations Resources Group, which is led by full-time, Gryphon senior operating executives with general management, human capital acquisition and development, treasury, finance, and accounting expertise. Gryphon’s three core investment strategies include its Flagship, Heritage, and Junior Capital strategies, each with dedicated funds of capital. The Flagship and Heritage strategies target equity investments of $50 million to $500 million per portfolio company. The Junior Capital strategy targets investments of $10 million to $25 million in junior securities of credit facilities, arranged by leading middle-market lenders, in both Gryphon-controlled companies, as well as in other private equity-backed companies operating in Gryphon’s targeted investment sectors.

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Caroline Luz

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Equistone portfolio company KWC completes focus on core business through sale of OEM division Nokite EcoSmart Water Heating Systems to Franke Group

Equistone

WC Group (“KWC”), a premium manufacturer and systems provider for sanitary room equipment, fittings and water management systems, is selling its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) division to the Swiss Franke Group. The divestment of Nokite EcoSmart Water Heating Systems (Guangdong) Co. (“Nokite”) represents the final step in KWC Group consolidating its strategic focus on its core area of professional sanitary room equipment aimed specifically at (semi-)public facilities and businesses. With the support of the Equistone funds as its majority shareholder, KWC intends to further exploit the significant market potential in this area and fully concentrate on expanding the business.

Funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe acquired a majority stake in KWC Group in April 2021. As part of its new strategic focus, in January 2024 KWC successfully sold its medical division to the Alumbra Group. In summer 2024, KWC’s home division, which produces high-quality bathroom and kitchen fittings for the private sector, was sold to the Italian sanitary specialist Paini.

With around 150 employees, Nokite is a leading manufacturer of high-quality private-label kitchen fittings, delivering from China to clients worldwide, and acts as a high-class OEM supplier. Through the successful sale to Franke Group, Nokite will now be integrated into the business division of a leading international supplier of kitchen equipment, appliances and accessories, which is aimed primarily at private end-customers. In the future, KWC will focus on its professional business, serving (semi-)public institutions such as airports, shopping centres, schools, sports and leisure facilities, as well as hospitals and security facilities. The company operates in multiple locations, including Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Austria, Finland and the Middle East and currently employs around 400 people.

Marten van der Mei, CEO of the KWC Group, and Viktor Bernhardt, CFO, underline the strategic importance of this step: “The sale of the independent OEM division enables us to concentrate our resources and expertise entirely on the successful professional business. This area offers enormous market potential and with innovative solutions and the highest quality, we want to further expand our position as a leading provider for (semi-)public institutions.”

David Zahnd, Partner at Equistone, emphasises: ” With the sale of Nokite, KWC Group has completed its strategic realignment and is now able to focus entirely on driving the profitable growth of its professional sanitary room equipment business.”

Stefan Maser, David Zahnd and Roman E. Hegglin were involved in an advisory capacity on the part of Equistone. Equistone was advised on the transaction by DC Advisory (M&A) and Bär & Karrer (Legal & Tax).

The financial details of the transaction are undisclosed.

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KKR to Sell GeoStabilization International to Leonard Green & Partners

KKR

ll 900+ GSI Employee Owners to Earn Cash Payouts, with Longest Tenured Hourly Employees Each Receiving Over $325,000 in Proceeds

DENVER & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– KKR today announced an agreement to sell GeoStabilization International (“GSI” or the “Company”) to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP”). GSI is a leading provider of geohazard mitigation solutions and roadway safety services. The sale delivers a return of five times the equity invested by KKR, and all GSI employees will receive substantial cash payouts on their ownership stakes in the Company.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240926128753/en/

GSI employees react to the news of the cash payouts they will receive upon close of the transaction (Photo: Business Wire)GSI employees react to the news of the cash payouts they will receive upon close of the transaction (Photo: Business Wire)

“It has been an honor working alongside Dominic, the management team, and GSI’s many talented employees to build on the Company’s strong legacy of serving customers and driving innovation. Through our strategic partnership we have expanded the Company’s reach, added service capabilities, and delivered on our mission to protect the public from the dangers of geohazards – all while investing significantly in GSI’s employees and our communities,” said Brandon Brahm, Partner at KKR and Co-Head of KKR’s Ascendant Strategy. “This is a great outcome for all GSI employee-owners and our limited partners in KKR’s Americas XII Fund and demonstrates our ability to be value-added strategic partners with middle market sized businesses.”

Since KKR’s acquisition of GSI in December 2018, the Company has experienced significant growth resulting from KKR’s investments in the business, including in employees, business infrastructure, service expansion and corporate development, all of which contributed to a near tripling of revenue and EBITDA. Over this roughly six-year ownership period, the Company successfully grew its family of brands and services, including an expansion into complementary roadway safety services. GSI also significantly enhanced worker safety and increased its rate of delivery for customers.

“This transaction is a testament to our years of collaboration with KKR and also reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire GSI team. KKR catalyzed our all-employee ownership program, developing an ownership culture that has made us even stronger. We are very proud that all GSI colleagues will share in this fantastic outcome,” said Dominic Ivankovich, CEO of GSI.

As a result of GSI’s all employee ownership program, all of GSI’s more than 900 employees will receive cash payouts upon closing of the transaction. This includes GSI’s over 550 field service colleagues, with the payouts for employees joining before December 2023 ranging from three months to over three years of annual pay, depending on tenure and job level. Employees will also receive pre-paid personal financial coaching and tax preparation services.

“GSI is a prime example of what ownership cultures can accomplish within the services sector and speaks to the power of an engaged workforce. This tremendous outcome recognizes the work GSI’s employees have done to create value, not just for the company but for themselves,” said Pete Stavros, Co-Head of Global Private Equity at KKR. “GSI will be in great hands with LGP, a fellow partner in Ownership Works, who shares our deep commitment to ownership and will carry on this effort at GSI following the close of this transaction.”

Since 2011, KKR has implemented broad-based employee ownership and alignment programs throughout its portfolio, first pioneered by KKR’s U.S. Industrials private equity team and more recently expanding across all control investments within KKR’s Americas Private Equity franchise. To date, more than 50 KKR portfolio companies have awarded billions of dollars of total equity value to over 110,000 non-senior management employees.

KKR and GSI were advised by Harris Williams and UBS as M&A advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis as legal advisor on the transaction.

About GeoStabilization International

GeoStabilization International® is the leading geohazard mitigation firm operating throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. GeoStabilization specializes in the design and implementation of emergency slope stabilization and landslide repair, rockfall mitigation, grouting, and road safety solutions include road departure barriers. GeoStabilization International’s team includes some of the brightest and most dedicated professionals in the geohazard mitigation and road safety industry. Their expertise, proprietary tools, and worldwide partnerships allow them to repair virtually any slope stability or foundation problem in any geologic setting. Please visit www.geostabilization.com for more information.

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com. For additional information about Global Atlantic Financial Group, please visit Global Atlantic Financial Group’s website at www.globalatlantic.com.

About LGP

Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP”) is a leading private equity investment firm founded in 1989 and based in Los Angeles, California with over $70 billion of assets under management. The firm partners with experienced management teams and often with founders to invest in market-leading companies. Since inception, LGP has completed over 150 investments in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth equity, and selective public equity and debt positions. The firm primarily focuses on companies providing services, including consumer, healthcare and business services, as well as distribution and industrials. For more information, please visit leonardgreen.com.

Media:

KKR
Liidia Liuksila or Emily Cummings
212-750-8300
media@kkr.com

Source: KKR

 

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Ratos company Speed Group to launch a new solution for optimised construction material flows

Ratos

Speed Group (Speed), one of Sweden’s largest 3PL providers, is now expanding its offering to include solutions for complete construction material flows. This will not only lead to an optimised use of resources in the construction industry, but will also strengthen competitiveness.

Planning material deliveries and ensuring that materials are delivered on time represent a major challenge for the construction industry. Speed is now launching a solution for optimised construction material flows. Combining a true understanding of construction logistics with strategically located construction terminals, the solution provides a solid foundation for delivering the right construction materials at the right time and the right price.

At present, material planning often requires that additional products be ordered from building suppliers, which is significantly more expensive than making planned purchases directly from the manufacturer. Now that Speed is able to offer the construction industry the perfect construction material flows, these conditions are set to change.

“This is further evidence that Speed has a genuine ability to have its ears to the ground and understand customer needs, combined with a highly innovative corporate culture. As the economy in the construction industry recovers, Speed has established a service that will streamline the industry,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Chairman of the Board of Speed Group and President, Business Area Construction & Services, Ratos.

Under the new solution, a logistics analysis is performed even before construction begins, followed by continual on-site logistics coordination during the construction period. The aim is to verify the logistics analysis, resulting in optimised flows with materials delivered correctly packaged, at the right time, in the right quantity and to the right location. Speed’s construction terminals are able to store material in optimal conditions and deliveries are effortlessly synched with construction schedules. At the end of the working day, complete kits are rolled in to various assembly points, ready for construction workers the following morning.

“With a team with extensive experience in construction logistics combined with our logistics terminals, we are able to offer the construction industry a complete solution that is hard to beat. A construction company can save an enormous amount of time by allowing its workers to fully focus on the task at hand rather than looking for, getting hold of or even waiting for materials. Our team is made up of experts in construction logistics who are fully aware that there is a lot of progress to be made in the area,” says Jesper Andersson, CEO of Speed Group.

About Speed Group
Speed offers sustainable, flexible and innovative solutions to complex logistics and staffing challenges. Sustainability permeates the entire business, and the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2025 was already achieved in 2023. Speed has its head office in Borås, Sweden, and logistics centres in Borås, Gothenburg, Stenungsund and Stockholm covering a combined total of more than 220,000 square metres. The company has sales of about SEK 1 billion and approximately 1,000 employees.

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication & Sustainability, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 17 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 33 billion in net sales (June LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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Ratos company SSEA Group secures new contracts including construction of arena area worth SEK 800 million

Ratos

The construction group SSEA Group has secured four new contracts in its important geographic regions of Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden, of which the largest is worth SEK 800 million and was signed with the municipality of Kungälv in the Gothenburg area. The contract pertains to the development and construction of a new arena area with a swimming facility, two indoor ice rinks, two sports halls and an ice stadium. The total value of all four new contracts is approximately SEK 1.1 billion.

All four projects will be carried out as partnering projects, with SSEA Group involved in the early stages and thus in the development phase.

“SSEA Group has added four excellent projects to its backlog of orders that are entirely in line with our business model and our strategic focus on conducting partnering projects together with our customers. We’re pleased that our customers have entrusted us with these assignments and look forward to many years of rewarding collaboration,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Chairman of the Board of SSEA Group and President, Business Area Construction & Services, Ratos.

“I’m very proud that we have secured these four projects. SSEA Group’s employees have put in a lot of work, both ahead of and during the tendering period. Now we’re looking forward to getting started with all four projects and helping our customers to realise the most important priorities of the projects,” says Christian Wieland, CEO, SSEA Group.

Information about the four contracts
New arena area in Kungälv – SEK 800 million
In Kungälv, just north of Gothenburg, SSEA Group has a signed an agreement with the municipality of Kungälv to develop and construct a new arena area with a swimming facility, two indoor ice rinks, two sports halls and an ice stadium.

Three other contracts – total value approximately SEK 300 million
Renovation of Vattenpalatset in Lerum
In Lerum, just east of Gothenburg, SSEA Group was awarded the contract for the renovation of Vattenpalatset. The project will involve a major renovation and refurbishment of the existing swimming facility from 1988.

Mobility hub in Väsjön
SSEA Group has an ongoing school project in the new development area around Väsjön together with the municipality of Sollentuna. The municipality has now chosen to exercise an option in the agreement and task SSEA Group with constructing the new mobility hub for the area.

Renovation of preschools in the municipality of Ekerö
In the municipality of Ekerö, SSEA Group has signed an agreement with the municipality to renovate two existing preschools. One of these was included as an option in the agreement.

In all cases, the transactions include a fixed fee for SSEA Group, and the customer’s evaluation of potential partners emphasised the organisation’s experience, earlier reference projects and a description of the proposed execution of each project.

About SSEA Group
SSEA Group has solid expertise in large and technically complex collaboration/partnering projects. SSEA Group carries out construction projects for customers in the private and public sectors across Sweden. The project portfolio includes Sweden’s tallest timber building, Sara Kulturhus in Skellefteå, who won the Träpriset 2024, one of Sweden’s most prestigious architectural tour prizes, awarded by Svenskt Trä.

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication & Sustainability, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21
Christian Wieland, CEO, SSEA Group, +46 70 654 09 30

About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 17 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 34 billion in net sales (LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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Ratos company SSEA Group secures new contracts including construction of arena area worth SEK 800 million

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Ratos Company HENT wins billion-krone contract for two stations on the new Fornebubanen metro line in Oslo

Ratos

The construction company HENT and Fornebubanen have signed an agreement for the construction of the two stations Fornebuporten and Flytårnet on the new Fornebubanen metro line in Oslo, Norway. The contract is valued at NOK 1.67 billion.

The contract covers the construction of two metro stations and consists of concrete and platform works, access buildings and technical installations such as escalators, lifts, and technical rooms. Certain outdoor work and landscape architecture are also included in the contract.

“HENT has added another exciting and prestigious contract to its already impressive order book. The company is a community builder in its truest sense. Thanks to our unique experience built up over many years, we can contribute to the residents of Oslo being able to travel climate smart in the future,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, Chairman of the Board of HENT and President, Business Area Construction & Services, Ratos.

“This agreement is an important milestone for HENT. We have been working on the project for a long time and have several good experiences from similar projects in the interface between infrastructure and construction. The project involves several challenges in terms of planning and operational implementation in combination with complex building structures, high quality requirements and ambitious environmental requirements. We thank Fornebubanen for their trust, and look forward to a good collaboration in the coming years,” says Jan Jahren, CEO, HENT.

HENT delivered the best offer based on price, environment and quality. The work will start in September this year and is expected to be completed in 2027.

About HENT
HENT is a leading construction company that mainly works with new construction of public and commercial real estate. HENT focuses on project development, project management and purchasing. Its projects are carried out with their own project administration and in collaboration with a knowledgeable network of quality-assured subcontractors. They conduct projects throughout Norway and in selected segments in Sweden and Denmark.

For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication & Sustainability, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21

About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 17 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 34 billion in net sales (LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in Execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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Ratos company HENT wins billion-krone contract for the new Bodø airport in Norway

Ratos

Avinor has tasked HENT with building a new passenger terminal and several other operational facilities at the new Bodø airport in Norway. The contract has a ceiling of NOK 2.4 billion.

The new Bodø airport will go into operation in 2029/2030. The entire project has a cost ceiling of NOK 7.2 billion and this was the last of two major contracts that have been announced.
Three competitors submitted bids and HENT scored the highest in the evaluation process, thereby winning the contract. The contract is a turnkey partnering project based on the Norwegian “samspillsentreprise” model. This means that HENT and Avinor will work together on the details of the project to come to an agreement about the final design and cost.
“That Avinor has entrusted HENT to help with one of society’s most important buildings is further proof of the strong position that HENT has in an otherwise challenging construction market. Ratos’s construction operations primarily focus on public sector customers and properties that are important for society. Our order books are strong and we are optimistic about the future,” says Christian Johansson Gebauer, CEO of HENT and President, Business Area Construction & Services, Ratos.
“Naturally, we’re very pleased that Avinor chose us. The entire bid process was long and thorough. We used the full breadth of the company’s expertise, together with several external partners. The teamwork behind our responses to the award criteria, including price, understanding of the task and project organisation, meant that we won out over the competition. This is important recognition for all of HENT and our partners,” says Jan Jahren, CEO, HENT.
About HENT
HENT is a leading construction company that mainly works with new construction of public and commercial real estate. HENT focuses on project development, project management and purchasing. Its projects are carried out with their own project administration and in collaboration with a knowledgeable network of quality-assured subcontractors. They conduct projects throughout Norway and in selected segments in Sweden and Denmark.
For more information, please contact:
Josefine Uppling, VP Communication & Sustainability, Ratos, +46 76 114 54 21
About Ratos
Ratos is a Swedish business group focusing on technological and infrastructure solutions, consisting of 17 companies divided into three business areas: Construction & Services, Industry and Consumer. The companies have approximately SEK 34 billion in net sales (LTM). We have a distinct corporate culture and strategy – everything we do is based on our core values: Simplicity, Speed in execution and It’s All About People. We enable independent subsidiaries to excel by being part of something larger. People, leadership, culture and values are key focus areas.

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Stirling Square, TA Associates, and Macquarie Capital Complete Acquisition of Byggfakta

Stirling Square

Stockholm, 8 May 2024 – A consortium consisting of Stirling Square, TA Associates (“TA”), and Macquarie Capital has completed the acquisition of Byggfakta, a leading information and software provider within the construction industry. The acquisition follows a public offer to the shareholders of Byggfakta, unanimously recommended by the Independent Bid Committee of Byggfakta’s Board of Directors.

Byggfakta is a leading provider of data, insights, and software solutions for the global construction industry, serving over 50,000 customers. The company, headquartered in Ljusdal, Sweden, was founded in 1936 and has more than 2,000 employees spanning more than 20 countries. Byggfakta’s core operations encompass five areas: Project Information, Specification, Market Intelligence, Product Information, and E-tendering.

Stirling Square has been the largest shareholder in Byggfakta since 2017, with its relationship to senior management dating back to 2014. TA acquired a significant minority stake in Byggfakta in September 2020, joining Stirling Square. Since their initial investments, Stirling Square and TA have enabled value creation by supporting Byggfakta’s efforts to improve its commercial and operational capabilities, and in executing on its acquisition strategy to broaden the company’s service offering and expand internationally. Stirling Square and TA have now formed a partnership with Macquarie Capital, to support Byggfakta’s future journey.

Stirling Square, TA, and Macquarie Capital see great opportunities for Byggfakta to become a global champion within the construction technology industry with a central role in the ongoing development of the sector. By facilitating operational and financial resources and leveraging the consortium’s combined track record from similar growth stories, Byggfakta will be positioned to accelerate delivery of continued organic growth and strategic M&A.

Ben Hopper, Managing Director, Stirling Square,commented:

“The return to a private markets environment is an important moment for Byggfakta as we continue supporting the company to achieve its ambition to become a global leader in data and software solutions for the construction industry. We believe this transition from the public markets will enable the company to accelerate its long-term growth potential through further international M&A supported by long-term shareholders providing additional capital and deep domain expertise. We are delighted to be working alongside Dario and the talented team at Byggfakta together with our longstanding partner TA and to welcome an investor we have long admired in Macquarie Capital.”

Naveen Wadhera, Managing Director, TA, comments:

“Since partnering with Byggfakta in 2020, we have witnessed significant progress and are optimistic about the substantial opportunities that lie ahead with the acceleration of the company’s M&A strategy. We look forward to working with the Byggfakta team, Stirling Square and Macquarie in the execution of our new joint strategy.”

Adam Joseph, Head of Private Equity for Macquarie Capital Principal Finance Europe, comments:

“We have been following the development of Byggfakta for some time and are impressed with its achievements to date that have positioned the company as a leader within the construction software and data industry. We are looking forward to joining forces with Stirling Square and TA in supporting Byggfakta’s continued growth journey.”

Dario Aganovic, CEO, Byggfakta:

“Over the years, Byggfakta has successfully established unique database content, market leading software, and strong customer engagement. Looking ahead, we have a clear strategy to become an even stronger global player and a world-leading company in our industry. I am excited to deepen our partnership with Stirling Square and TA and to join forces with Macquarie Capital in the years to come,enabling an acceleration of our strategy.”

On 6 May 2024, the offer was closed with Stirling Square, TA, and Macquarie Capital, through Giant BidCo, controlling 99.8 per cent of the shares in Byggfakta.

About Byggfakta

Byggfakta Group is a global data and software company with roots stretching back to 1936, more than 2,000 employees and operations in 26 countries. The Company offers services that connect the construction sector, thereby increasing total growth and promoting better construction. Its unique data, insights and software solutions help customers to maximise sales, increase efficiency and build more sustainably. The core operations encompass five areas: Project Information, Specification, Market Intelligence, Product Information, and E-tendering. Byggfakta mainly generates subscription revenue, which currently exceeds SEK 2 billion annually. Byggfakta’s goal is to grow organically by 10% per year and to grow an additional 5–15 percent per year through acquisitions. Byggfakta Group has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021.

About Stirling Square

Stirling Square is a private limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 8, rue Lou Hemmer, L-1748 Senningerberg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B 259546.

Stirling Square is a leading pan-European mid-market private equity firm based in London. Stirling Square has extensive experience investing in the Nordics. Its current portfolio includes Infobric, Assist24, Logent and SAR. Founded in 2002, Stirling Square is a partner to leading European mid-market businesses, with over 20-year track record of investing with conviction in market-leading platforms in the EUR 100 million to EUR 500 million enterprise value range. Since inception, Stirling Square has invested in 30+ platform companies and 100+ add-on acquisitions globally, helping to create regional and global champions. The firm has raised four funds and manages over EUR 3 billion on behalf of a global and diverse investor base. The investment team consists of more than 20 investment professionals, who have in aggregate committed 16 per cent of the total capital of the fourth fund ensuring full alignment with the success of its portfolio companies and their management teams. Stirling Square has been the largest shareholder in Byggfakta since 2017, with its relationship to senior management dating back to 2014.

About TA Associates

TA is a private limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) governed by the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 40, avenue Monterey, L-2163 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and registered with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register (Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg) under number B 259878.

TA is a leading global private equity firm focused on scaling growth in profitable companies. Since 1968, TA has invested in more than 560 companies across its five target industries—technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer and business services. Leveraging its deep industry expertise and strategic resources, TA collaborates with management teams worldwide to help high-quality companies deliver lasting value. The firm has raised $65 billion in capital to date and has over 150 investment professionals across offices in Boston, Menlo Park, Austin, London, Mumbai and Hong Kong. TA acquired a significant minority stake in Byggfakta in September 2020, alongside existing investor Stirling Square.

About Macquarie Capital

Macquarie Capital is the advisory, capital markets and principal investment arm of Macquarie Group. It encompasses corporate advisory, a full spectrum of capital solutions, including capital raising services from equity, debt and private capital markets and principal investments from Macquarie’s balance sheet. Macquarie Capital has deep sector expertise in the aerospace, defense and government services, consumer, gaming and leisure, critical minerals, energy, financial institutions, healthcare, industrials, infrastructure, services, software, technology, telecommunications and media sectors.

Macquarie Capital Principal Finance, the financing and principal investing arm of Macquarie Capital makes investments from Macquarie’s balance sheet, provides flexible primary financing and secondary market investing solutions for corporate and commercial real estate clients across North America, Europe and Australasia.

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