The Dutch bouwens& and the Belgian-Luxembourg branch of Armonia have merged. The combination will continue as bouwens& in the Benelux and will be led by Michael Bouwens, CEO and founder of bouwens&.
By joining forces, a major player is created in the hospitality and facility management market in the Benelux. The range of services will be further developed and expanded. The combination makes it possible to outsource hospitality and facility services to one specialized party in offices and buildings in the Benelux, Europe and beyond - for existing and new customers.
Two family-owned businesses, one vision
In 2003 Michael Bouwens started Bouwens Chauffeur Services, a specialist in executive transport. This company grew into bouwens&, a provider of hospitality, reception and security services and office support. The service provider is active at renowned companies and institutions in the private and public sector, such as FD Mediagroep, OLVG, Province of North-Holland, Van Doorne and Westfield Mall of the Netherlands.
Michael Bouwens: “The combination of bouwens& and Armonia is a logical step: we are both a family-owned business with a similar DNA. We share the focus on customer satisfaction, distinctive personal service and the human touch. This partnership allows us to continue to grow and be even more successful.”
The new generation of facility management
Armonia is part of Sofinord, a family-owned business founded in 1974 in Paris by Patrick Thélot. Today, Armonia is one of the leaders in the hospitality and facility management market in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Armonia has 16,000 employees, 4,500 customers and an annual turnover of around 275 million euros. Its portfolio includes a wide range of clients in various sectors and branches, such as Estée Lauder, Hermes, Louvre, Renault and Société Générale. Bouwens& becomes the Benelux-brand of Armonia.
Thélot is still intensively involved with Armonia as Chairman: “I’m very happy and confident about the partnership between bouwens& and Armonia. The Benelux-market has a high potential. We now have the perfect partner and the right strategy to succeed.” The day-to-day management of Armonia is in the hands of CEO Guillaume Amar: “Meeting Michael was such a chance: he is an entrepreneur who shares the same vision of the business and believes in his team to make the difference in the facility market. Together bouwens& and Armonia are even stronger to grow, to innovate and attract new talents.”
Customers and employees in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, nothing will change in the daily cooperation and service provision for the customers and employees of bouwens&. The role that employees now have with customers will remain the same, as will the contact persons. The head office of bouwens& will remain in Amsterdam.
If you have any questions regarding this message, please contact Tessa de Grijff (COO at bouwens&) via +31 (0)6 2959 1788.