With the acquisition of L’Aventure, Awen is strengthening the development of its two core activities: cleaning and landscaping. The experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions, take a closer look.
On 27 April, Awen announced the acquisition of L’Aventure, based in Croissy-sur-Seine (78). This operation marks a significant step in the company’s development, bringing the total number of employees from 150 to 200. Marie Billault, former Managing Director of L’Aventure, joins the Awen team as Deputy Managing Director to continue the development of the company specialising in landscaping. In her new role, she will be assisted by José Maia, former L’Aventure site manager.
Cost and resource optimisation
The main objective of this merger is to jointly develop two key activities: cleaning and landscaping, which will make it possible to appeal to a range of corporate clients by offering both cleaning of premises and management of the surrounding area. Synergies between the two companies already exist: L’Aventure and Awen share a number of clients. Marina Christopoulos, head of green spaces and plants at l’Aventure, will be in charge of the landscaping department to ensure continuity of service. For Awen, this merger will optimise resources and costs, while strengthening the specific know-how of each entity. Awen’s digital tools and central services will be used to manage l’Aventure’s operations.
New acquisitions on the horizon
This merger is undoubtedly the first of many. The group aims to double its business over the next three years. “We are now actively on the lookout for new companies specialising in cleaning, landscaping and maintenance to join us as soon as possible,” said Awen in a press release on the acquisition of l’Aventure. Awen, which celebrates its eighth anniversary this year, now provides services throughout the Ile-de-France region, with offices in Val d’Oise and Yvelines.
Industry consolidation
The waste management and landscaping sector is currently undergoing a period of concentration. A number of developments took place during the year. In March, Ecoclean Services acquired the Barataud group, which consists of four companies. M&A activity in the cleaning and services sector remained strong in 2023. Moreover, corporate demand for this type of service remains stable. Despite ongoing challenges in the cleaning sector and potential obstacles to acquisitions (rising interest rates, wage increases affecting cleaning companies’ margins), the sector proved to be very dynamic in 2023, with a number of transactions comparable to 2022.
Our experts at your side
The cleaning and landscaping sector is becoming more structured to meet the needs of businesses. Further mergers are likely in the coming months. Any inorganic growth strategy must be underpinned by an in-house strategic review to ensure that it does not upset the balance of an organisation’s operations. In the case of extremely rapid growth, support remains key. Within the AURIS Finance group, our experts in cleaning and landscaping companies are at your side. Experienced in the specific challenges of this business sector, they are able to support you throughout your sale and acquisition processes.
