In February 2010, Philippe Benquet joined forces with NextStage AM to take over the company Acorus (formerly Dallavalle) created in 1996, specializing in the renovation of housing on behalf of social landlords. Under the leadership of Philippe Benquet, the group quickly diversified into other markets such as hotels, health and communities with clients such as the Accor group, DomusVi, the BnF, etc. Historically based in Ile-de-France, Acorus has also rolled out its model in the provinces by opening branches in Bordeaux, Lyon and Nantes.
Five years later, the group has seen its turnover multiplied by almost three and its workforce has grown by more than 300 people (today total of 464 employees). On the occasion of the acquisition of Peintisol, the group's first acquisition, MI3 joins NextStage and Philippe Benquet with a view to supporting long-term growth.
“Over the years, Acorus has built its reputation through a pioneering and original positioning in the construction industry as abuilding services company. By focusing as much on customer service as on the quality of execution, we have been able to retain our customers and develop these skills thus responding to 2 major current societal challenges: renovation of existing buildings (health, safety, energy saving) and adaptation of housing and buildings to the aging of the population (home support for the elderly, access for people with reduced mobility).
The customer satisfaction rate (98%) is the symbol of the success of the lean organization that we have put in place for 5 years and which will drive our future growth. " declares Philippe Benquet.
Michaël Strauss-Kahn, Director of Investments at NextStage AM underlines: “For the past five years, the Acorus group has made remarkable progress in the execution of its development plan thanks to Philippe Benquet and his team who have revealed the group's organic growth potential by bringing it a turnover of 25m € in 2009 to € 61m in 2014. We are happy that Philippe has chosen to continue to trust NextStage AM for his future projects and are delighted to support him in his next development operations. "
The acquisition of Peintisol (turnover of € 12m in 2014), a specialist in painting, floor coverings, renovation and thermal insulation from the outside since 1971, marks the Group's first external growth operation. This operation thus enables the group to strengthen its skills in these trades, to penetrate new markets and to envisage sustained development over the coming years.
In February 2010, Philippe Benquet teamed up with NextStage AM to take over Acorus (formerly Dallavalle), a company founded in 1996 and specialized in renovating housing on behalf of social housing associations. Led by Philippe Benquet, the company quickly diversified into other markets such as hotels, healthcare centers and public buildings with customers such as Accor, DomusVi, BnF, etc. From its initial base in the Paris region, Acorus also rolled out its model in other regions of France, opening agencies in Bordeaux, Lyon and Nantes.
Five years later, Acorus's sales have virtually tripled and its headcount has increased by more than 300 people to 464 employees. For the takeover of Peintisol, the company's first acquisition, MI3 has joined NextStage AM and Philippe Benquet with a view to backing the company's long-term growth.
“Over the years, Acorus has built a solid reputation based on a pioneering and original position as a building services company in the construction sector. By focusing as much on customer service as on project execution, we have managed to build customer loyalty and develop our skills base to respond to two major challenges facing society today: renovating existing buildings (health, safety and energy efficiency) and adapting residential and other buildings to the needs of an aging population (home care for the aged, access for persons with reduced mobility).
Our customer satisfaction rate (98%) symbolizes the success of the lean organization we put in place five years ago and which will underpin our future growth ”, says Philippe Benquet.
NextStage AM's Investment Director, Michaël Strauss-Kahn, points out: “Over the past five years Acorus has made remarkable headway with its growth plan thanks to the leadership of Philippe Benquet and his team, who have successfully drawn on the company's organic growth potential to bring sales up from € 25 million in 2009 to € 61 million in 2014. We are pleased that Philippe has chosen to continue with NextStage AM for his future projects and are very happy to support his upcoming expansion plans. ”
Peintisol (2014 sales of € 12 million), a specialist in painting, floors, façades and external insulation since 1971, is the first acquisition to be made by Acorus. The deal will add to the company's skills base, enable it to enter new markets and contribute to its robust expansion over the coming years.
About Acorus
Acorus was founded by Franck Dallavalle in 1996 and immediately specialized in renovation work for social housing associations in the Paris region.
In 2010, after its takeover by Philippe Benquet, the company's development accelerated thanks to the renewed confidence of its existing customers and its entry into new markets such as hospitality and healthcare.
In 15 years, Acorus has forged a solid reputation based on its pioneering and original positioning in the construction sector as a 'building services company', developing its business as a general contractor in its five business lines: rehabilitation, renovation, upkeep, maintenance and adapting building for persons with reduced mobility.
The company's greatest strength is its 'SME' culture, based on good work relationships, responsibility and respecting customers and employees. Since 2013, Acorus has progressively rolled out a 'Lean Construction' approach across all its activities and optimized its organization and performance by freeing the energy of all its employees to focus on customer service. The first results of this innovative approach were rewarded by the Medef's managerial innovation award presented to the company by Isaac Getz in March 2015.