As the Nordic countries’ premier group within water infrastructure, Uniwater offers entrepreneurs a unique chance to pursue growth, without giving up control. Having established itself as the market leader on its home turf, Uniwater group is moving forward in other European countries. Erik Meurling is leading the Group’s expansion into markets outside the Nordics.
From Nordic Leadership to European growth. Erik leads Uniwaters’ expansion with a purpose.
– Uniwater has undertaken an amazing journey in its first ten years. We’ve carved out opportunities in the Nordics very successfully and now it’s time to explore other parts of Europe. Access to clean water is essential for society as a whole and its rewarding to work in an industry that has such positive impact. Moreover, there will be extensive investments into the European water sector in the next few years, which means there’s great potential for all stakeholders.
Erik Meurling, Head of Expansion
Uniwater’s objectives make Erik’s task unambiguous
– Our strategy is fairly clearcut. By adding fully-owned subsidiaries and sister companies to the Uniwater family, we’re seeking to expand our contribution to the industry. We’re always looking for operators that deliver excellent solutions, products and services. Uniwater provides infrastructure at every stage of the urban water cycle, from its source all the way through to final delivery.
How does it work? Erik explains the process of approaching companies
– We do our homework thoroughly and conduct in-depth research in a range of markets to find companies and partners that seem like a good fit for us. It’s vitally important that we listen carefully to the companies we approach. We discuss where they’re at in their development, what they need and how to assist their growth. After making initial contact, we look into the specifics and see if there’s common ground between us. From there, we can initiate more detailed discussions.
A decentralized operating model is key to Uniwater’s success
– Ultimately, no one understands local markets better than the people who work in them. It’s vitally important that companies continue to apply the entrepreneurial skills and experience they’ve acquired, as well as maintaining local customer relationships. Needless to say, this benefits everyone involved. Companies don’t experience disruptive changes when they join us; they retain their brand names and management. We ensure our new partners can continue doing what they do best, while offering opportunities and synergies that allow them to develop and expand.
Erik continues: “We’re now specifically pursuing new business opportunities in the German-speaking countries. Municipalities in both territories face similar challenges and the business culture in DACH countries is highly compatible with ours. As major investment is on the horizon, it’s the ideal time for us to enter this space. In many cases, the water systems are outdated and in need of renovation or replacement. Local authorities recognise that water is an increasingly scarce resource and see optimised infrastructure as critical in their communities.
Key factors that affect the group’s expansion strategy and maximises potentional for subsidiaries
– Grouping autonomous companies under an umbrella organisation is a vitally important driver in the water industry. This is an area in which we have specific expertise. We’re water specialists that only make acquisitions within the water sector. We want to assist operators in the DACH countries to realise their full potential, in terms of efficiency, customer focus and profitability.
Built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs
Our goal is to encourage cooperation between as many companies as possible under the Uniwater banner. Our operating model brings business operators together, without imposing rigid structures. This offers the best route to maximised potential. When we say we’re a company created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, we really mean it.
Erik Meurling, Head of Expansion
Do you want to know more about what a partnership with Uniwater could look like?
