Facility management service provider OCS has taken a stake in FM consultancy Agents4RM with the aim of establishing a global professional services business in which Agents4RM will gain access to new markets and service OCS clients directly.
The facility management and built environment business will continue to be led by Agents4RM managing director Lionel Prodgers, and “will provide a broad range of professional services aimed at the emerging markets in the Middle East, Asia and south-east Asia in addition to mature FM markets such as the UK, Europe and the Americas”.
The venture will have three key consulting strands – professional consultancy, training and information management – and target the key sectors of commercial and residential, shopping centres, healthcare and education.
“I am delighted that OCS has decided to invest in Agents4RM International to create a global professional services business for the international FM market,” Prodgers said.
“The investment will enable the international development of Agents4RM allowing the business to deliver services to new markets and geographies. Our joint aim is to create a full range of professional services and promulgate best practice, responsible management and cutting edge systems and processes maintaining our reputation as a leading international FM consultancy.”
OCS Group CEO Chris Cracknell said the two firms had worked together for several years but “this investment signals a more formal partnership approach whereby Agents4RM will deliver consultancy advice for OCS customers across the globe”.
“By investing in an already well-respected enterprise, a platform for future expansion through organic growth and relevant acquisitions will be created,” he added.
The expanded business includes acquisition and joint venture advice, project management, asset management and strategic facility management, and will complement OCS’s current service provider offering. The international training arm will be e-learning based and focus on delivering training to the emerging markets.
There is also a new information management bureau service, which is already in a pilot phase in the commercial and healthcare sectors.
