The businesses that we partner typically have strong brand positions providing a high-calibre, specialist offering to a demanding and sophisticated client base:

• Nordic Modular is a market leader in renting out temporary buildings in Sweden. It includes the subsidiary Temporent, which rents out temporary premises such as offices, schools and nurseries. During 3i’s investment from 2005 to 2007, we established a new management group that focuses on increasing the company’s sales and marketing activities. The team grew Temporent’s utilisation rate from 60% to 90% in a much shorter time than originally estimated.  3i also supported positive market development and the company’s expansion to other Nordic countries.
• STEN develops framework and scaffolding systems for construction and civil engineering projects and is a leader in the Spanish frameworks sector.  Working in partnership, STEN and 3i are growing STEN's international presence using 3i's global network of contacts. 3i has assisted STEN with the appointment of talented executives to join the board, and has introduced STEN to three potential acquisitions in Italy, Spain and France, and new contacts in Dubai and India.
• HSS is the UK’s largest tool and equipment hire chain.  It has 550 outlets and a strong brand.  3i working in partnership with management, undertook a three year value creation and growth plan; streamlining operations, upgrading the retail website and repositioning the business to focus on trade customers, who now make up 90% of turnover. 3i sold the transformed business ahead of plan, in June 2007.