The commercial cleaning industry in Europe is essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across various sectors, from offices to healthcare facilities. Companies in this field offer services such as daily janitorial tasks, specialized cleaning, waste management, and sanitative solutions. In recent years, the focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices has shaped industry growth, pushing companies to adopt greener methods and technologies. As the demand for cleanliness rises due to ongoing health concerns, the industry is evolving, integrating advanced cleaning solutions like automation and smart technologies. Experts forecast sustained growth as businesses recognize the importance of clean environments.


This list features a variety of investors in Europe’s commercial cleaning sector, totaling 17 key players. The group includes corporate entities like PHM Group and venture capitalists such as BGF, all headquartered in major cities like London, Paris, and Stockholm. Founded between 1854 and 2021, these firms vary in size from small establishments to those employing thousands of workers. In 2024, they collectively engaged in a total of 287 transactions, showcasing active interest and investment in this thriving market.


Top 17 Commercial Cleaning Investors in Europe


1. Bunzl UK and Ireland

  • Website: bunzl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1854
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: bunzl

Bunzl Public Limited Company is a distribution and outsourcing company based in London, England, that has been operational since 1854. The company specializes in providing essential items necessary for businesses to operate across various industries, including commercial cleaning. Bunzl has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its offerings in the cleaning and hygiene supplies sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Clean Care in 2010, which was valued at approximately $2.47 million and is known for its strong customer focus and broad product range in cleaning supplies. Additionally, Bunzl acquired Apex Sanitation Products in 2016, ACME Supplies in 2014, and Bäumer Betriebshygiene Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH in 2014, all of which contribute to their capabilities in the commercial cleaning market. These acquisitions reflect Bunzl's commitment to providing tailored solutions and reliable sourcing in the cleaning industry.


2. PHM Group

  • Website: phmgroup.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: phm-group

PHM Group is a corporate investor based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 1989. The company specializes in property maintenance, offering a comprehensive range of services that include cleaning. With a workforce of 5001-10000 employees, PHM Group operates across multiple countries, catering to housing companies and businesses that require reliable maintenance solutions. In recent years, PHM Group has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the property maintenance and cleaning sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Trondheim Renholdsservice AS and RenBolig Service & Omsorg AS, both of which enhance its presence in the Norwegian market and focus on residential property maintenance services, including cleaning. Additionally, the acquisition of Flensburger Objektservice GmbH and Kieler Gebäudeservice GmbH aims to establish local market leadership in northern Germany, further expanding its cleaning service capabilities. These transactions highlight PHM Group's commitment to enhancing its cleaning service offerings within the broader property maintenance industry.


3. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, UK, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notable transactions include investments in companies like High Access Maintenance, which specializes in working-at-height services, and several waste management firms such as Wales Environmental and Drainology. These investments highlight BGF's commitment to supporting businesses that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, which are critical components of the commercial cleaning industry.


4. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm founded in 1994, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the commercial cleaning sector, including the acquisition of ISS in 2005 for approximately $3.8 billion, which is one of the largest providers of facility services globally, including cleaning services. Additionally, EQT acquired Recover Nordic, a company generating substantial revenues in the cleaning and waste management sector, further emphasizing their commitment to this industry. Their investment strategy reflects a strong interest in companies that provide essential services, including commercial cleaning, which aligns with their broader investment goals.


5. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a crowdfunding platform based in London, England, that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. Founded in 2010, Crowdcube connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process while promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce. In recent years, Crowdcube has been involved in several notable transactions within the commercial cleaning context, including Oxwash, Love2Laundry, and Oxi-Tech Solutions Ltd, which focus on innovative cleaning solutions. Additionally, they supported Wilton London, an eco-cleaning company that aims to expand its eco-friendly and plant-based cleaning products across Europe. These transactions highlight Crowdcube's active engagement in the commercial cleaning industry, making it a significant player in this sector.


6. Veolia

  • Website: veolia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aubervilliers, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1853
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: veolia-environnement

Veolia is a leading environmental services company founded in 1853, specializing in water management, waste management, and energy solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Veolia is committed to sustainability and ecological transformation, providing innovative services to municipalities and industries. Notably, Veolia has made significant acquisitions to enhance its industrial services and waste management capabilities. In 2017, they acquired Clean It, a privately owned industrial services company, to bolster their industrial services business. This acquisition is part of their strategy to expand in resource, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Furthermore, their acquisition of Cleanaway UK in 2023 for £589 million positioned them as a leader in the UK waste market, which includes commercial cleaning aspects. Other relevant transactions include the buyout of Western Resource Recovery in Australia, enhancing their liquid waste treatment capabilities, and the acquisition of Friedrich Hofmann GmbH, a major waste management service provider in Germany. These transactions highlight Veolia's active role in sectors closely related to commercial cleaning.


7. Marlowe plc

  • Website: marloweplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: marloweplc

Marlowe plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in compliance services with a strong focus on fire safety and water hygiene. Founded in 2015, the company has grown through strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Hydro-X Group for approximately $40.8 million, which strengthens their capabilities in water treatment services. Additionally, Marlowe acquired Guardian Water Treatment Ltd. and GPCS Limited for £3.3 million, and Advance Environmental Ltd., a provider of water treatment and hygiene services, further emphasizing their commitment to hygiene compliance. Their acquisition of Sterling Hydrotech, a water treatment and compliance services provider, for £1.75 million also highlights their focus on maintaining high hygiene standards, which is essential in the commercial cleaning context. Overall, Marlowe plc's activities reflect a significant involvement in sectors that intersect with commercial cleaning, particularly through their emphasis on hygiene and compliance services.


8. UI Investissement

  • Website: ui-investissement.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1967
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: ui-gestion

UI Investissement is an investment management firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1967. The firm specializes in supporting the growth of non-listed small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and intermediate-sized enterprises (ETIs) in France. They provide capital development, innovation, and consolidation services, focusing on sectors such as health, agro-business, and services. Notably, UI Investissement acquired IPC Group in 2019, a company involved in the cleaning and hygiene sector, which highlights their engagement in the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, they have participated in various funding rounds for other companies, demonstrating their active role in enhancing operational performance and market competitiveness across different sectors.


9. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC focuses on helping management teams achieve their growth ambitions through investment and advisory services, fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success. Notably, LDC acquired Motorclean on July 11, 2005, which operates in the commercial cleaning industry, demonstrating their engagement in this sector. Additionally, LDC has made several other investments, including Maintenance Management, which may also relate to service management in the cleaning context, further indicating their capability to invest in related industries.


10. IK Partners

  • Website: ikpartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: ik-investment-partners

IK Partners is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in mid-market investments across Europe, focusing on providing capital and strategic support to businesses in sectors such as Business Services, Healthcare, Consumer, and Industrials. IK Partners aims to enhance growth and create long-term value for their portfolio companies by partnering with management teams. Notable transactions include the acquisition of CID LINES, a company that may be involved in cleaning products, and Checkmate Fire Solutions, which, while primarily focused on fire protection, indicates their interest in service-oriented businesses. Their recent activity, including 14 investments in 2024, demonstrates their active role in the market, making them a potential player in the commercial cleaning sector.


11. Mutares Benelux

  • Website: mutares.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2021
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: mutares-benelux

Mutares Benelux, a private equity firm based in Amsterdam, was founded in 2021 and is part of Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The firm specializes in acquiring and managing companies in transition, providing operational support and consulting services to enhance profitability and growth across various sectors, including automotive, technology, and retail. Notably, Mutares has made significant strides in the commercial cleaning context by acquiring Asteri Facility Solutions AB, which focuses on facility management services, including cleaning. Additionally, their acquisition of Palmia Oy, a company generating substantial revenues in the goods and services sector, further strengthens their portfolio in related areas. Their recent acquisition of Greenview Group and the planned acquisition of GDL Anläggning & Miljö AB also indicate a strategic focus on enhancing their Goods & Services segment, which may encompass cleaning services. Overall, Mutares Benelux demonstrates a commitment to investing in companies that can provide operational efficiencies and growth in the commercial cleaning industry.


12. Maven Capital Partners

  • Website: mavencp.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: maven-cp

Maven Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Glasgow, Scotland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and investment solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They support management buyouts and property development, helping clients unlock their potential and achieve significant growth. Notably, Maven has been involved in transactions such as the management buy-in of FIS Chemicals, a developer and manufacturer of specialist chemicals, which could relate to the commercial cleaning industry. This investment aims to enhance FIS's growth and environmental credentials, indicating a focus on sustainability that is increasingly relevant in the cleaning sector. Other transactions include investments in technology firms like Orka Technology Group, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.


13. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. They operate through various funds and investment vehicles, helping businesses secure necessary funding to scale operations. Notably, Mercia has made investments in companies like Powertherm Contract Services, which raised $130,050 in a venture round in 2018, indicating their interest in service-oriented businesses that may align with the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, their involvement with Secure Empty Property and UK Landscapes suggests a broader interest in property management and maintenance services, which can intersect with commercial cleaning needs.


14. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients, including institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. Among their notable transactions, Ardian acquired a majority stake in Laboratoires Anios, a leading producer of disinfectants and antiseptics, from Air Liquide in 2013. This acquisition highlights Ardian's commitment to the cleaning and hygiene sector, aligning with the needs of commercial cleaning services. Additionally, Ardian has made various investments across different industries, showcasing their diverse portfolio and strategic approach to investment management.


15. JMG Group

  • Website: jmg-group.co.uk
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: jmg-group

JMG Group is a corporate investor based in Leeds, England, specializing in insurance brokerage and risk management services. Founded in 2020, the firm has quickly established itself in the market with a strong emphasis on client relationships and expert advice across various sectors. Notably, JMG Group has made significant strides in the commercial cleaning industry by acquiring Gleaming Insurance, a specialist broker that caters specifically to the cleaning sector. This acquisition, announced on June 10, 2024, aims to enhance Gleaming Insurance's market presence and support its growth plans. This strategic move highlights JMG Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the commercial cleaning space. In addition to this, JMG Group has engaged in several other acquisitions, such as Bickley Insurance and Butterworth Spengler Insurance Brokers, which, while not directly related to cleaning, demonstrate the company's aggressive growth strategy and capability to manage diverse insurance needs.


16. Mobeus


Mobeus Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in equity investments in UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), partnering with management teams to provide funding for management buyouts and equity releases. Mobeus focuses on facilitating growth and strategic development across various sectors, including business services and healthcare. Notably, Mobeus has been involved in several transactions relevant to the commercial cleaning industry, such as the acquisition of Motorclean in 2011 for $9,559,209, which highlights their commitment to investing in cleaning services. They also acquired Vectair Systems, a company that may have connections to hygiene and cleaning products, in 2006 for $6,220,331, and Plastic Surgeon in 2008 for $3,945,489, further demonstrating their engagement in sectors that intersect with commercial cleaning. Their acquisition of Star Brands in 2019, while not directly related to cleaning, indicates a broader interest in consumer goods that may include cleaning products. Overall, Mobeus's investment strategy and history of transactions suggest a strong alignment with the commercial cleaning industry.


17. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment. Accent Equity aims to create sustainable growth and superior returns for its clientele across various sectors. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions, including the acquisition of Corvara Industri & Skadeservice, a Swedish provider of industrial cleaning and damage control services, which highlights their active role in the commercial cleaning industry. Additionally, they acquired Textilia, further emphasizing their engagement in service-oriented businesses. Their expertise in investment management positions them well to capitalize on opportunities within the commercial cleaning sector.



Commercial Cleaning Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bunzl UK and IrelandLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500018545
PHM GroupHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland5001-1000019892
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
VeoliaAubervilliers, Île-De-France, France10001+18535
Marlowe plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500020150
UI InvestissementParis, Île-De-France, France51-200196719
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
IK PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500198914
Mutares BeneluxAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands51-200202116
Maven Capital PartnersGlasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)51-200200925
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
JMG GroupLeeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100020208
MobeusLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020120
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944


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