A E P O R U E Nbusiness 8 1 0 2 / 7 0 Special Scandinavia www.european-business.com www.european-business.com

BUSINESS IN SCANDINAVIA 04 06 10 Lars Bogs, Co-owner of KAV America Europe Johan Nylund, Export Manager at Polarbröd AB Jari Salo, Managing Director at TEVO LOKOMO OY Timo Norvasto, Sales Manager at TEVO LOKOMO OY Jani Vaalima, Marketing & Communications Manager at TEVO LOKOMO OY 12 14 16 18 Kræn Nielsen, CEO of X-Yachts A/S Jenni Tolonen, CEO of Management Events International Oy Mikael Rietz, President and CEO of Ekamant AB Jani Peräsarka, Vice President and Joint Owner of WasaGroup Oy BUSINESS IN EUROPE IMPRINT 20 CDS Srl The essential role of beverage closure 22 Recipharm – Wasserburger Arzneimittelwerk GmbH Freeze! 24 Münchner Grund Immobilien Bau- träger GmbH Creating great places to live 3 www.european-business.com Publisher: International Business Verlag GmbH Address: Landersumer Weg 40 · 48431 Rheine · Germany Phone: +49 5971 92161-0 · Fax: +49 5971 92161-854 info@european-business.com · www.european-business.com Editor-in-chief: M. J. Brinkmann

KAV America Europe Aa. Louis-Hansens Allē 2 3060 Espergærde Denmark  +45 49 223594  lars.bogs@kavamerica.com  www.kavamerica.com KAV America products can be savoured in coffee shops and also purchased in retail stores to be enjoyed at home is based on a carpet we have at our bakery, Miss Bagel. We are European market. We are seek- of Europe. We are also planning home, so it is really very personal. a medium-sized specialty bakery ing agents, distributors and coffee an exciting new product range for The US company liked it so much serving smaller chains with lower house chains in other European the European market. KAV Encore that they are switching to our de- product numbers – 10,000 prod- countries; we have established is a range of nutrition shakes, signs too.” ucts per order is our ideal scale. As one in France and are talking to aimed at a new consumer group, a result, we can simply introduce another in Italy. We are also keen which will be sold via e-commerce KAV America’s production site any idea we have. We received a to enter the German market and channels.” With its hands-on man- is located in San Bernardino in request from a particular client for are looking for agents there too. agement and Mr. Bogs’ entrepre- California. “We produce everything burger buns; we are now selling My personal goal for the next neurial spirit, the Danish-American ourselves, and the management these all over across Scandinavia.” three years is to introduce KAV connection seems set for even is based at the same site,” Mr. America products across the whole greater success. We can introduce new things and we don’t have to ask anyone; we just do it. Bogs stresses. “We know every- From the Californian production thing about our products, from site, KAV America exports to 25 the sourcing of ingredients to the countries around the world. KAV finished goods that end up on America Europe distributes prod- the shelf. Some of our competi- ucts from stocks held in Denmark, tors are management companies; although when a client requires they don’t know the detail of their larger quantities, these are sup- production processes, and can’t plied direct from San Bernardino change products in line with client with a separate price list. “We take specifications. We can. For exam- care of ordering and shipping to ple, we were asked to develop a European countries,” confirms matcha latte, and we did just that. Mr. Bogs. “ We are very success- We can introduce new things and ful in Scandinavia – in Denmark we don’t have to ask anyone; we and Sweden in particular – and just do it. It is the same story with we are now looking to expand our 5 www.european-business.com KAV America chai comes in ten flavours; all different and all delicious N A E P O R U E business

Polarbröd’s products contain no preservatives and are also milk-free Following production, bread is immediately frozen in accordance with old Polar traditions The company employs a total of 342 staff at its three premises milk, and most common allergens systems and facilities; in addition (sesame seeds, nuts, and others) the Bredbyn and Omne bakeries are not permitted in the bakeries. hold the KRAV certificate relating The company’s absolute best seller to sustainable agriculture. In total, is Polarkaka – kaka is Swedish for the firm employs 342 staff and cake. “Because we bake com- achieves an annual turnover in the pletely without preservatives, our order of 100 million EUR. bread has a unique freshness,” stresses the Export Manager. “The Polarbröd is a household name in consistency and softness of our Sweden. One of three big players products is also very special.” in the Swedish market, the com- pany currently boasts a 16 to 20% Bread is packaged when frozen; the company is moving to environmentally friendly packaging using bags made from sugar cane plastic Polarbröd is headquartered in market share. It has two distinct Älvsbyn, the small town near the customer groups. In Sweden and larbröd’s production is based on ways of selling frozen bread to end east coast of northern Sweden in Norway, the company sells primar- traditional hearth-baking methods. customers so that they can keep which the company was founded. ily to the retail sector. It has a full Its baking line is extremely modern it in their freezers at home until It has further bakeries in Bredbyn distribution service to Norway, and and efficient, but operates on the they need it.” Polarbröd’s product and Omne. All of the bakeries hold sales in the country are growing at hot stone baking principle so that range is extensive and diverse, numerous certifications relating to an incredibly fast pace. the bread is heated very quickly. and includes between ten and 15 safety and hygiene, process and From the baking line, the products different big-selling items. The production management, quality ››› are placed directly into a freezer, portfolio includes great-tasting and packaged and shipped while white and brown bread rolls, ba- frozen, thawing en-route to the gels, thinbreads, and flatbreads customer. “This is the unique Polar which come in rye, wheat and oat method,” explains Mr. Nylund. varieties. All the bread is free from “Freezing the bread and transport- ing it to our customers in a frozen state enables us to bake the bread without using any preservatives. We are currently investigating 7 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business

by Johan Nilsson. The firm was is our retail launch in Germany; passed on from generation to gen- this is currently the most important eration, and in the 1950s, Mr. Nils- issue for us.” Irrespective of the son’s grandson Gösta and his wife challenges facing the company in Greta recognized the strong export 2018, Polarbröd is also taking a potential for the bakery’s products. longer term view. “In the coming They chose to use the classic five years, we want to grown our northern Swedish method of freez- export turnover to 20 million EUR,” ing, and Greta experimented with Mr. Nylund continues. “Instead frozen sandwiches. Her smoked of the current 80%:20% split for reindeer sandwich was a particular domestic and export business, we hit, and is still in production today are aiming for a 60%:40% split. as the famous Renklämma. The Markets such as Finland, Germany Polarkaka was created as a result and the UK offer huge potential The company follows the principles of sustainability in its transportation policy, us- ing the railway network and vehicles powered by fossil-free fuels Ocado, the country’s biggest online retail sector. We have also been of Greta’s invention, which ulti- and are very important for us. Ob- retailer, which has a very effective consistent in not getting into every mately led to the company being viously, it remains to be seen what distribution network covering the new trend that hits the market. We renamed Polarbröd. happens after Brexit.” Polarbröd whole of the UK market. “It will be focus on a classic type of bread. prides itself on combining tradition interesting to see what happens We simply have a good combina- Today, besides its activities in rela- and modern business practices in in the retail market as online sales tion of a strong brand and top- tion to sustainability, the company relation to the environment. With increase,” notes Mr. Nylund. quality products. On the business faces new challenges in terms of its heritage in classic, northern side, we have great partners who its market presence. “Our goal for Swedish baking, its high-quality- So why is Polarbröd so successful, can distribute the brand efficiently 2018 is to defend our position in products, and its commitment to despite being tucked away in the and effectively. I believe our suc- the Swedish market and grow our sustainability, future generations northernmost region of Sweden? cess is really down to a mix of all of business,” reveals Mr. Nylund. of the Jonsson family will be able “I think our success is mainly due these things.” “We want to expand, both from a to continue the family tradition in a to the quality of our bread,” Mr. geographical and a product port- secure, forward-looking organiza- Nylund says. “We have a unique Polarbröd has certainly seen signif- folio perspective. We are seeking tion. method of baking without preserv- icant success in the form of growth new markets and new ways of us- atives, and I think, for that reason since its humble beginnings as a ing our bread. As far as exports are alone, the brand is popular in the small bakery in Älvsbyn, founded concerned, our immediate focus Polarbröd boasts a 140 year heritage in traditional bread making; nevertheless, the company’s bakeries and its business strategies are designed for the 21st century Bread is packaged and transported in a frozen state, and allowed to thaw during delivery, reaching the customer in a perfect, fresh condition 9 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business

TEVO LOKOMO OY Lokomonkatu 3 33101 Tampere Finland  +358 8 2658800  +358 8 2658805  tevo@tevo.fi  www.tevo.fi more demanding products where “We have invested a lot in air treat- submersibles to Moscow as far our clients can find added value.” ment and waste management to back as the 1980s, but since then Technically, TEVO LOKOMO is get to this position.” The company financing and therefore orders far ahead of its competitors. “Our will continue to emphasize its en- have been lacking for these kinds proprietory vacuum-refined VACU- LOK® steels offer excellent weld- vironmental credentials. “We are of extreme applications. With high- very well equipped for the future in profile expeditions like the Chinese ability and machinability, and are respect of caring for the environ- one, it is possible that demand will known for their low level of impuri- ment,” says Mr. Norvasto. “We increase in the future. ties,” says Marketing and Commu- hope our customers will also apply nications Manager Jani Vaalima. more stringent requirements in The project is seen as a good ex- “They provide just one example of their specifications because that is ample of what TEVO LOKOMO is our superior materials expertise.” our competitive advantage.” capable of achieving. “I think that our main selling point is the fact Nowhere can this expertise be If TEVO LOKOMO is keen on that we are materials experts,” seen better than in one of the com- exploring the performance pos- says Mr. Salo. “We can give cli- pany’s biggest current projects. “At sibilities of steel, its customers ents the ideal solution for their the end of last year, we embarked are interested in exploration in needs, even if that means starting on our latest major research and a more literal sense. “We were off at the drawing board.” Besides development projects concerning contacted by the Chinese scien- the shipbuilding and mining sec- steel propeller materials,” says Mr. tific group Rainbowfish Ocean tors, this expertise is much in Salo. “The aim is to develop steel Technology Co., Ltd. in 2015 to demand in hydro power genera- that will help shipbuilders reach build a steel cabin made from tion, offshore applications, the a number of key targets includ- high-performance maraging steel paper and pulp industry, oil and ing improving fuel economy, and for a submersible to take them 11 gas exploration, and the nuclear reducing environmental emis- km below the surface of the Pacific energy sector. The TEVO group sions and noise as well as overall Ocean to the deepest part of the employs 200 people and gener- costs.” TEVO LOKOMO has vast Mariana Trench,” explains Mr. ates turnover of around 40 million experience in manufacturing Norvasto. More people have been EUR. “We expect growth in our both steel and bronze propellers to the moon than have been to the key industries in the coming years at its foundries in Tampere and bottom of the Mariana Trench, and and are gearing up to ensure that Turenki. Located in the heart of there are still plenty of questions our service is second to none,” the city, environmental concerns there to be answered. After a two- says Mr. Salo in conclusion. It is have always been a priority. “That year qualification process, the steel steeled for a future in which it has a heavy industry like ours can oc- cabin will be produced later this the material edge. cupy a location in an urban setting year. TEVO LOKOMO has plenty of says a lot about our environmental experience in deep sea missions, standards,” insists Mr. Vaalima. having supplied two research 11 www.european-business.com TEVO LOKOMO produces steel and bronze components ranging in size from 400 kg to 30 t N A E P O R U E business

Only the best materials are used when crafting these one-of-a-kind vessels The firm’s attention to detail is one of the things that sets them apart from other manufacturers dual-purpose cruiser-racers. “The feedback our customers give us,” in exciting and interactive ways. En- it is quite difficult to make money yachts in this category are extremely says Mr. Nielsen. The company’s couraging owners to upload videos continuously,” admits Mr. Nielsen. responsive, making them really fun to sail with maximum speed and manoeuvrability,” says Mr. Nielsen. They offer customers similar cus- tomization options to the Xc line. Lastly, the yachts in the X-Range Next year, for our 40th anniversary, we are hosting an excit- ing event with over 100 X-yachts from around the world, including the first one ever made. “The market is extremely volatile. When times get hard financially, it’s the luxury things which are sacri- ficed first. Currently, the trend is for boats which are easy to sell, such as a 45 foot craft which can be eas- ily handled by a couple. Typical cus- category are the company’s newest most recent launch is the X49, and photos of their yachts helps tomers include early retirees who range of contemporary cruisers. which had its maiden voyage on 13 prospective clients see the boats in want to spend six months of the This line embodies what X-Yachts March 2018. But even before this, action and is a very important com- year on their boat, or people who is all about. Offering craft that are the company had sold seven of munication tool for us.” want to work from their yacht. Our ideal for family sailing trips, long the new boats off plan. “People customers tend to have a history distance cruising or competitive believed in the new boat just X-Yachts is one of very few young with us; maybe they used to race, sailing gives clients the best of eve- on the basis of a drawing be- yacht builders actually making now they use their boat for leisure rything the company has developed cause they know and believe a profit. “In boat building, or live on it for extended periods.” over its 40 years in the industry. in our company,” says Mr. “All of our yachts offer customers Nielsen. “That is incredibly a feeling we have dubbed ‘Superb motivating for us.” Along Sailing Pleasure’, but the X-Range category is special in the way it rolls with other events, the maiden voyage of the X49 all of the company’s passions into a was shared on various so- single sailing experience,” explains cial media platforms. “We Mr. Nielsen. have more than 18,000 followers on Facebook When it comes to keeping its com- and more than 5,000 petitive edge, X-Yachts stays crea- on LinkedIn,” adds Mr. tive. “We roll out a new boat model Nielsen. “X-Yachts is able annually and listen carefully to the to reach its customer base Sail into the horizon on your own personal piece of paradise from X-Yachts 13 www.european-business.com X-Yachts A/S Fjordagervej 21 6100 Haderslev Denmark  +45 74 521022  info@x-yachts.com  www.x-yachts.com N A E P O R U E business

Artificial intelligence and robotics are the key trends of the future expert speakers to which delegates Break-out time is the perfect time for face-to-face meetings and eye-level discus- sions can buy tickets to attend.” ard event management company This latest development reflects constantly looking at upcoming is the amount of research and net- the growing importance of artificial trends to take as the focus for its By contrast, Management Events’ working that precedes the event. intelligence not just in the compa- next event. Technology is chang- European gatherings are by invita- “We interview potential attendees ny’s work but also as a conference ing fast and there is also potential tion only, which gives the event beforehand to find out what are topic. Nevertheless, Management for cross-market development, a far greater sense of exclusivity the issues and problems they have Events still places its faith firmly which these events try to facilitate. and allows Management Events to cope with and what they need. in human interactions. “We have “We assemble the top movers to tailor the guest list. “We build On that basis we look for sponsors a team of around 90 project man- and shakers in a particular sec- our invitation-only events around who can give them the answers,” agers who prepare and build the tor and provide the conditions for a particular industry such as retail adds Ms. Tolonen. “Once they events,” says Ms. Tolonen. “They business magic to happen,” says or banking, or around a title such are there, we facilitate one-to-one maintain personal contacts with Ms. Tolonen. “Thanks to the work as CEO or CFO,” says Ms. Tolonen. meetings during the events as a clients and conduct the interviews. that goes on behind the scenes by “These are sponsored events with form of business speed-dating. We There can be as many as 200 in- our talented team of interviewers, the sponsors being solution provid- have even invested in matching al- terviews for a single event.” organizers and networkers, the ers and the invited guests their gorithms to determine who should event is often the most effective potential clients.” Where Manage- meet whom at the event.” Events are held worldwide on a working day the delegates will have ment Events differs from a stand- range of topics. The company is all year.” Management Events’ enthusiastic team of event coordinators ensure events run smoothly for all participants European Business AI and Robotics 2017, an exclusive, invitation-only event for the top players in this up-and-coming sector 15 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business

Ekamant offers innovative products for smooth metal grinding Classical hand grinding – the perfect finish thanks to excellent sanding paper As a tier 2 supplier, Ekamant offers high-quality abrasive solutions for the automotive industry The perfect sanding paper for every need modestly in recent years but dust adheres to the workpiece. losophy and appreciate its positive we have our own sales company, clearly aim for further growth in the Working in accordance with nature climate.” future,” says Mr. Rietz. “Ekamant and reducing our carbon footprint and we expect positive develop- ment over there, too. We have a is a strong brand and well-known are extremely important for us.” Customer-oriented products, reli- clear strategy for 2018. Increasing in our business, which is one of able technical support and a mar- efficiency and production, and our biggest strengths. But we oper- Ekamant has equally strict quality ket-oriented business philosophy preparing a generation change will ate in a niche market focusing on standards when it comes to the have contributed significantly to be pivotal challenges.” wood. The metal and automotive metal and automotive industries. industries play only a minor role. Velcro backing products, paper Many people think that we are a backing and cloth products per- commodity business, but we are fectly mirror Ekamant’s fundamen- not. We are a process business tal expertise. “Wood will always be with a long production line, con- our core business,” considers Mr. stant quality and close cooperation Rietz. “But we are always open to with suppliers.” new business opportunities. We are a tier 2 automotive supplier, Ekamant differentiates between and we can see the potential for wood, metal and automotive ap- further growth in this market too. plications with a distinct focus on A sound technical service, good wood. One of its core products is Antistatex®, an abrasive that technicians who can give compe- tent support and the performance stands out as it generates no elec- of our materials will be of huge Ekamant’s international success. trical charge. The result: easier importance in meeting our growth Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the lacquering processes, cleaner targets. Luckily, we have a very Czech Republic, Indonesia, China, machines and an improved work- ing environment. “Antistatex® is supportive owner. The company’s Thailand and the United States are organization guarantees consist- Ekamant’s most important foreign a highlight in our broad range,” ency – and a good working at- markets. “Germany is a tough mar- sums up Mr. Rietz. “It is both mosphere. Many employees have ket but has great potential,” states highly efficient and extremely envi- been working here for many years; Mr. Rietz. “The eastern markets ronmentally friendly as no sanding they all share the company’s phi- are interesting as well. In Russia Ekamant is a Swedish company with a long tradition – and traditional products 17 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business

WasaGroup also works extensively for the public sector on children’s daycare centers, care homes for the elderly and schools cept. It is expected to drive strong lem is to try and find solutions that other public buildings.” Wasa- activities of WasaGroup Funds. growth in the future. “We will be are efficient. Our Wasa360° con- Group serves customers nationwide “Our real estate funds present a growing pretty fast in the next few cept is a trailblazer in this area.” from its headquarters in Vaasa. profitable opportunity to invest in years,” predicts Mr. Peräsarka. While its construction projects are the Finnish property market,” says “There are lots of new regulations WasaGroup is active across all all located in Finland, investment Mr. Peräsarka. “We are the only in the construction sector that are sectors of the real estate market can be international. Although the player in the market to combine raising prices for both new builds except residential. “We special- company has not so far marketed planning, construction and finan- and renovations. It is becoming ize in office and retail properties itself on the international stage, cial expertise in our investment harder and harder to provide build- and industrial premises,” says Mr. this is a distinct possibility for the funds – to the benefit of inves- ings and spaces that companies Peräsarka. “We are also active future, particularly in light of its tors. It has been hard to convince need and want for the rental rates in the public sector, for example target to increase turnover to 120 developers that there is a better that they are used to. We believe children’s daycare facilities, care to 140 million EUR by 2019. way, particularly when things that the only way to solve this prob- homes for the elderly, schools and have always been done one way With a workforce of 150 people, and they are used to dealing with turnover in 2017 reached 68 mil- several partners. However, it is like lion EUR. The comparable growth anything that involves taking a leap is about 20% as in the previous of faith. Once they have seen the couple of years. The growth is grass on the other side, they never expected to continue thanks to the want to go back.” WasaGroup Oy Gneissikuja 1 65300 Vaasa Finland  +358 40 5765843  +358 104257777  info@wasagroup.fi  www.wasagroup.fi N A E P O R U E business Wasa360° is the company’s holistic approach to property investment 19 www.european-business.com

CDS Srl Vie del Commercio 91-97 29100 Piacenza (PC) Italy  +39 0523 621511  +39 0523 621550  info@cdssrl.it  www.cdssrl.it CDS offers a wide selection of high- quality, leakproof plastic closures for all types of beverage bottles CDS has its own research and development team focused on supporting the company’s produc- tion department and creating new product and recycling solutions. “We are constantly improving our products by developing easy-to- open closures, making them more leakproof or reducing their weight,” states Mr. Nanetti. “A couple of years ago, a bottle cap weighed 2 tamper-evident features so as to g. Today, it is less than 1 g.” As a provide the customer with a clear medium-sized enterprise, CDS is indication if the bottle has been very customer-focused and flex- opened yet or not,” explains Mr. ible in meeting individual require- Nanetti. “The closure is essential ments. “Our customers appreciate as it prevents the product from us as a supplier who always has going bad.” CDS supplies small, the right solution and who has the medium-sized and large beverage capacity to supply any required companies. “We are working on quantity at the shortest notice,” Mr. acquiring more large customers,” Nanetti points out. “In addition, we says Mr. Nanetti. “We are currently at a stage where more and more of the big players in the beverage industry are becoming aware of us as a reliable supplier of qual- ity caps. We are also organizing conferences and other business events to enhance brand aware- There is nothing worse for a beverage company than not having enough bottle caps. A E P O R U E Nbusiness Would you like your business to be featured amongst your country’s finest? Or perhaps you just want to keep in touch with the latest industry developments in your nation? Whatever your focus, our new, country specific e-papers will interest you. For fascinating insights into the latest innovations, business developments and commercial thinking in Italy, Hungary and Scan- dinavia, go to www.european-business.com/epaper ness and recognition, not only in deliver reliably and quickly. There Italy but worldwide. We want to is nothing worse for a beverage further advance our position in the company than not having enough international market for beverage bottle caps, especially during the bottle closures and develop the high season in summer.” We are planning to publish more country-specific e-papers in the near future. If you would like potential customers to read about your business, then please contact us on company into a world-renowned supplier.” 21 www.european-business.com +49 5971 92161-0 editorialteam@european-business.com

he enjoys guiding sites and em- maceutical industry employing ployees in their development and some 5,000 employees. The com- working on international networks. pany offers manufacturing services “We cooperate with universities for pharmaceuticals in various dos- and the IHK (Chamber of Industry age forms, production of clinical and Commerce), and I believe it trial material and APIs, and phar- is necessary to increase attraction maceutical product development. The company specializes in the produc- tion of vials, both liquid and freeze- dried, as well as liquid ampoules of various formats, containing various products We take part in various symposia and are represented at the CPHI in Madrid, the largest pharma convention in the world. since experienced organic growth subsidiaries in India and in Israel. through improved infrastructure.” Recipharm manufactures several as well as expansion through ac- “Within the Recipharm group we In order to achieve this, Recipharm hundred different products for cus- quisitions,” explains Mr. Isele. “It have various locations with R&D in Wasserburg makes an effort to tomers ranging from big pharma to was within the latter process that facilities,” says Mr. Isele. “Here in cooperate with local politics. “Our smaller research and development the location in Wasserburg was Wasserburg we have a technologi- future prospects are very positive,” companies. Recipharm’s turnover acquired in 2010.” Since then, cal development site as well as a emphasizes Mr. Isele. “With new is approximately SEK 5.0 billion. the Wasserburg facility also oper- laboratory.” Currently, 390 of the projects lining up, we are a factor The company operates develop- ates under the name Recipharm. total 5,000 Recipharm staff are of stability for the region.” ment and manufacturing facilities Globally, Recipharm is active at employed in Wasserburg. in France, Germany, India, Israel, about 20 locations in ten differ- ABOUT THE RECIPHARM GROUP Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the ent countries including its home “Finding qualified staff isn’t always UK and the US and is headquar- country Sweden, as well as Italy, easy – the food sector is a major Recipharm is a leading contract tered in Stockholm, Sweden. The Spain, France, Portugal, the UK competitor in this respect,” admits development and manufacturing Recipharm B-share (RECI B) is and the US. Latest additions are the Managing Director, who says organisation (CDMO) in the phar- listed on NASDAQ Stockholm. 23 www.european-business.com Recipharm offers the highest standards for customers and staff, constituting a factor of stability in its region N A E P O R U E business

Münchner Grund Immobilien Bauträger GmbH Albert-Rosshaupter-Strasse 43 81369 Munich Germany  +49 89 7415050  +49 89 74150519  kontakt@muenchnergrund.de  www.muenchnergrund.de the entire group realizes a total vol- opment and construction to sales ume in investments and projects and letting. “The development and of 1.2 billion EUR, with Münchner implementation of large projects Grund alone generating between usually takes several years. It really 300 and 500 million EUR per year. pays off if the supervising experts The project and property devel- know the project inside out and oper has realized a large number accompany it through to the end. of high-quality, sophisticated and The continuously acquired knowl- profitable properties for both pri- edge reduces the risk of surprises vate customers and investors and, at later stages,” stresses Mr. Berg- according to official and current er. “Even evaluation and acquisi- industry analysis, it ranks among tion of the property, profitability the leading top ten real estate analyses, financing up to turnkey project developers in Germany. handover to investors and buyers “We consider ourselves a very well- are now part of our job.” h c i r n e H i l e a h c M © i i s c h p a r g l a r u t c e t i h c r a - Y A W D 3 L © - The Trikot office was completed in 2015, while the office-retail complex and the expansion of the Angelo Hotel at the Leuchtenbergring await completion positioned player, as we success- condominium projects it focuses you drive by every day and see and fully carry out construction projects Münchner Grund covers the en- on classic media and internet por- observe the events and develop- in Germany’s most important city tire value chain. As it does not tals for apartments and real estate. ments in the townscape around areas,” says Mr. Berger. “We have keep any of the buildings in its these visually attractive buildings.” set up optimum regional networks, portfolio, it generally acts as trader- In the past years, the company has In the coming years, Münchner which is very important in our busi- developer. “Our range of services realised a number of prestigious Grund will continue its successful ness. This principle applies more now completely covers the office, large-scale projects, including the path in property development even than ever before when it comes residential and hotel property mar- Steigenberger Hotel Berlin at Ber- though it has to adjust to changing to planning and building. Even at ket segments. Our team consists of lin’s Central Station, Zalando’s new legal prerequisites imposed by the the construction site development employees who have been work- Berlin headquarters, the Trikot of- government. Right now, it takes up stage and during the approval ing for us for many years. They fice complex in Munich as well as to twelve months to get a building process, important points can be know their job and ensure smooth various Holiday Inns in Frankfurt permit, despite politicians’ prom- set for the project in progress. At processes and efficient interac- and many other projects in major ises to speed up building projects. all construction stages, it pays off tion between the individual areas,” German cities. “It is fun and it This is an intolerable financial bur- to join forces with a partner which stresses Mr. Berger. For large con- makes us proud to consider these den for the construction industry has proven itself on more than 100 struction projects of commercial projects as our own ‘babies’ and to and only one example to demon- projects.” Münchner Grund offers and hotel buildings, Münchner Gr- plan, construct and finish them as strate that there is still a great deal all services from a single source, und cooperates with international major landmarks in a townscape,” to do for Münchner Grund. from design and planning to devel- real estate consultants, while for says Mr. Berger. “In some cases, 25 www.european-business.com N A E P O R U E business