Investor Berk Partners takes a majority stake in PBS in Oss, market leader in raised floors, used in offices, data centers and cleanrooms, among others.

Amsterdam, 22 APRIL 2022 – Berk Partners investment fund has acquired a substantial majority interest in Oss-based PBS (Prefab Construction Systems) as of 21 April 2022. PBS has more than 40 years of experience in the field of raised floors in the Netherlands (also called computer floors, assembly floors or installation floors).

PBS develops, produces and installs raised floor systems

Activity

PBS is the market leader in raised floors in the Netherlands. Raised floors offer several advantages. A raised floor offers space for electricity, data and ventilation facilities. The architectural floor does not have to be finished (wet) first and the raised floors can be used and arranged flexibly.

PBS is active in 6 market segments: offices, data centers, cleanrooms, technical areas, wet areas and grandstand floors. PBS supplies wooden floors, calcium sulphate floors and aluminum floors. The latter are mainly used in high-tech cleanrooms, a fast-growing market in which PBS is well represented.

As a producer, PBS bears responsibility for the environment, in line with the ESG objectives of investment company Berk Partners. PBS therefore closely monitors the development of sustainable, degradable and recycled materials and will -where possible and desired- apply these products and present the various options to customers.

Transaction

The transaction concerns an MBO (management buy-out). As of April 21, 2022, Berk Partners Groeifonds joined as shareholder. The incumbent director, Jos van den Hoven, has also become a shareholder. The former owner, Mr. Ben van der Doelen, will remain a co-shareholder. Jos, together with his team, is the driving force behind PBS and will focus on further expanding the company in the coming years. The focus remains on offering innovative floor systems at home and abroad.

The new co-owner and general manager Jos van den Hoven has a broad background as an entrepreneur in the finishing industry and is looking forward to continuing the operational management of the company. Jos has worked at Van Vonderen BV (finishing and painting) in several roles, including as director-shareholder.

Van den Hoven foresees interesting growth opportunities. “With the involvement of Berk Partners, we can further expand and professionalize internationally and the networks of Berk Partners will also become available for PBS.” said Van den Hoven.

The raised floors of PBS are used in offices, data centers, and cleanrooms, among others

The collaboration with Berk Partners is a conscious choice, according to Ben van der Doelen. “This partnership provides the opportunity for me to fully withdraw from the operation, but to remain involved for advice and strategic issues, supporting Berk Partners to further shape growth. Berk Partners has gained extensive experience with such projects in the past.”

Berk Partners (Rimco Geels):

“PBS fits in well with our investment policy. The innovative manufacturing industry is one of our preferred sectors. PBS is active in an attractive growth market and occupies a leading position there. The incumbent management has a very good track record. With the increasing focus on quality and sustainability in this sector, the role of PBS will only increase.”

About PBS

For more information: Jos van den Hoven (josvandenhoven@PBSholland.com) and www.pbsholland.com.

About Berk Partners private equity

Berk Partners is an independent investment company founded in 1992. Over the past thirty years, investments have been made in dozens of successful medium-sized Dutch companies. Berk Partners originated from Berk Holding, the investment vehicle of Mr Ben Pon, which was founded in the 1970s. After a few successful investments by him, third parties also joined. Berk Partners has in the past invested in Koninklijke Joh. de Kuyper & Zn. (distilled drinks), (portion) packaging company W. van Oordt & Co, games company Jumbo and Life & Mobility (manufacturer of wheelchairs).

The current Berk Partners fund is the fifth fund in succession and has fund assets of almost €50 million. Based on past experience, the fund has a preference for investments in the Food Industry, Innovative Manufacturing and Healthcare Supplier sectors. As an involved shareholder, Berk Partners adds value by making knowledge, a network, entrepreneurship and active support available in addition to capital. In 2018, the 5th Berk fund made its first investment. Berk Partners acquired a majority stake in the Harderwijk company Theha, the world’s only producer of coconut bread. On 21 February 2019, an interest was acquired in Molenmaker Techniek (MTS), based in Sneek. MTS produces and maintains hydraulic systems for civil engineering. On April 18, 2019, an interest was acquired in Rivièra Product Decorations (RPD). RPD is specialized in applying shrink-wrapped packaging. Berk Partners invested in Aarts Packaging in Waalwijk in December 2019. Aarts is a producer of packaging for the personal care and food industry. In April 2021, a participation was realized in Technotape Baarn, supplier of products for high-quality printing of photos (sublimation) on a multitude of articles. Berk Partners invested in HSU Groep in October 2021. HSU focuses on preparing and cleaning public transport equipment and on specialist cleaning. In October 2021, a participating interest was realized in Royal Taste Company in Soest. Royal Taste is a developer and producer of personalized coffee.

ESG Policy

Berk Partners gives ESG considerations an important place in the selection of investment propositions and the management of its participations. ESG stands for ‘Environmental, Social & Governance’ and means that factors such as energy consumption, climate, availability of raw materials, health, safety and good corporate governance are explicitly taken into account when choosing to invest in a company.

For more information:
Berk Partners Growth Fund B.V.
Willem Kamps (kamps@berkpartners.nl or 020 2619 350).