Ecocleen seeks new franchisees to boost its UK growth

The commercial cleaning franchise is targeting a number of acquisitions over the next year to accelerate its expansion within the UK

Ecocleen is eyeing opportunities in London, the South-East, South-West and North-West to enhance its nationwide network and support robust organic growth.

Jean-Henri Beukes, MD of Ecocleen explained: “We are looking to speed up our expansion plans through a number of strategic acquisitions in key regions. We are looking for likeminded commercial cleaning businesses that possess particular strength in the education, primary care, manufacturing and office sectors that will strengthen our existing operation and enable us to create new franchise areas.

“Once integrated within the nationwide network, we will seek suitable investors both in the UK and internationally who can add value to our business.”

Since a management buy-out in 2017, Ecocleen has shown a growth of more than 75 per cent. The franchise is expected to reach an annualised turnover of £14 million in 2019 and is targeting revenues of £20 million by the end of 2020.

“We are in the process of identifying suitable regional companies that meet our criteria in terms of culture, capabilities and profitability. They will typically have a turnover of around £5 million, but we are considering businesses with a turnover of £500,000 and upwards if particularly complementary. We are also offering multiple exit options for existing owners, which can be aligned to their present and future aspirations,” added Beukes.

Future expansion is expected to be achieved by a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisition. This is also being supported by the creation of a central business development team to secure new cleaning contracts with an expanding range of private and public sector organisations.

Ecocleen is a commercial contract cleaning provider that currently services 13 million sq ft of office, retail, education, healthcare and industrial space, handling contracts of all sizes for both private and public sector organisations.