Acquisition strategy
We at Intrum Justitia are seeking to widen the scope of our operations and thus cut operating costs per case, leading in turn to superior overall efficiency and profitability. Although the primary aim is to grow organically, we continually study opportunities for acquisitions.
By conducting selective acquisitions, we can:
- Strengthen its position and raise corporate awareness of the company in established markets;
- Attain greater economies of scale;
- Achieve cost synergies;
- Crucial experience and know-how in existing or new services;
- Broaden its client base; Launch the entire service range in countries in which the company is active;
- Establish a presence in new European markets.
Improved market position in the Nordic region
At the end of 2010, Aktiv Kapital's Nordic credit management operation was acquired. An acquisition that made Intrum Justitia as one of the three biggest players in the Norwegian market. By the end of the year we also acquired Nice Invest Nordic, a company that invests in overdue receivables from mail order and e-commerce clients.
Acquisition of Cronos Group and SSE
In December 2008 Intrum Justitia acquired French companies Cronos Group and SSE.
Intrum Justitia acquires Belgian companies
In March 2008 Intrum Justitia acquired the Belgian holding company Solutius Belgium NV, which in turn owned two debt collection agencies in the Belgian market, Juri-Desk and Krebes.
Acquisition of Creditexpress
In June 2005, Slovakia's leading debt collection company was aquired, Creditexpress Slovakia s.r.o. Although the acquisition of Creditexpress was comparatively small for the Intrum Justitia Group, it has brought a strong market position in Slovakia. The country has 5.4 million inhabitants and the debt collection market is primarily consisting of consumer collection.
Acquisition of Legal & Trade
In October 2004 Legal & Trade Collections (Ireland) Limited was acquired. The acquisition made Intrum Justitia the clear market leader in the Republic of Ireland.
Divestment of Créancia
In December 2002, Intrum Justitia divested its 34% minority interest in French company Créancia, generating capital gains of SEK 6.4 M.
Acquisition of Jean Riou Contentieux and Cofreco
Jean Riou Contentieux was acquired on December 31, 2002 and Cofreco was acquired in the beginning of 2003 (after the close of the fiscal year). Both companies are leaders in consumer debt collection in France. Combined, the two companies reported revenues of about SEK 78 M in 2001, with 96 employees at four offices.
Acquisition of Stirling Park
Stirling Park was acquired in July 2002. This is one of Scotland's largest debt collection companies with a broad client base, including local public authorities. The company reported revenues of some SEK 56 M in fiscal 2001. Operations - comprising a workforce of 108 employees at six offices - were consolidated in the Group as of July 17, 2002. The acquisition strengthens Intrum Justitia's position in the British market of consumer debt collection.
Acquisition of Vía Ejecutive
In December 2001, Vía Ejecutiva - a debt collection company with some 80 employees and operations in Spain and Portugal - was acquired. The acquisition cost was SEK 7.5 M, including a restructuring reserve of SEK 4.7 M.
Acquisition of D&B RMS
In May 2001, Intrum Justitia acquired the European RMS operations of Dun & Bradstreet. D&B RMS was one of the largest European RMS players both in terms of revenues and gross collection value. On the acquisition date, the company had 510 employees and provided services in sales ledger management, consumer debt collection, commercial collection and international collection services to some 17,000 clients in twelve European countries.