7 May 2012

Ramboll: Nordic expertise gets international boost

With the acquisition of a British consultancy firm, the Danish engineering consultancy firm Ramboll broadens its Nordic know-how to global expertise. NIB financed the acquisition with a DKK 75 million (EUR 10 million) loan.

“In Ramboll’s efforts to conquer engineering businesses all over the world, the Nordic approach is not sufficient. The combination of an international mindset and track record with Nordic specialist services is a formula for international success,” says Michael Rosenvold, CFO of Ramboll Group.

The British consultancy firm Gifford strengthens Ramboll’s international capacity, especially in infrastructure and transport.

In addition to the Forth Bridge project in Scotland, the Fehmarn tunnel project between Denmark and Germany is an example of how the combination of British and Nordic brain power can be successfully applied.

The Fehmarn link is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. It connects Denmark and Germany at the Fehmarn Belt, realising the vision of a permanent direct link between Scandinavia and Central Europe.

“The total length of the Fehmarn belt tunnel will be 18 kilometres, making it the longest combined road and rail tunnel in the world. As part of a joint venture, Ramboll is responsible for the tunnel design,” Mr Rosenvold explains.

“The international experience, track record and mind set among our new UK colleagues mean that Ramboll is able to deliver global knowledge in combination with Ramboll’s local insights. The National Museum in Oslo and the Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg are examples of projects we would not have won without our international experience,” he continues.

Micheal Rosenvold

“Ramboll’s unique Nordic and international mindset is strengthened by Gifford’s skills and Ramboll now has a greater chance of winning projects that would otherwise go to other international engineering companies.”

Michael Rosenvold

CFO of Ramboll Group

Photo: Begyndelsen

Ramboll’s strengthened competitiveness, not only in the international market, but also in the Nordic market, is key for NIB’s participation in financing the project.

“Although it is rather a new thing for NIB to finance consultancy company acquisitions, the loan project fits very well with NIB’s mandate to strengthen the member countries’ competitiveness. Ramboll’s role in the Fehmarn link project is also positive as it improves the access of NIB’s member region to the rest of Europe,” says Vagn Lundhøj, Senior Originator at NIB.

According to the Ramboll Group’s CFO, there are several advantages of lending from a Nordic international financial institution such as NIB.

“In addition to competitive loan maturity, NIB is a financially stable lender with an excellent reputation. Financially, NIB helps strengthen Ramboll’s platform for continued international growth, as well as providing the means to further improve our international market position in the Nordic countries,” Mr Rosenvold concludes.

Related resources

11 Jan 2012

Ramboll Gruppen A/S

EUR 10.1 million

Press Release

11.1.2012

NIB finances Danish Ramboll's consultancy acquisition