When building, foundation is of great importancery

A brief History

  • 1987

     

    Founding

    Grana International was founded in Belgium 1987, and was at the beginning primarily focusing on real estate investments and property management. Grana International was a sister company to real estate companies operating in Sweden and the United States, owned by the Fogelberg family. Grana International invested, on their own and in joint ventures, in several real estate projects in Belgium and the Netherlands.

    Grana International was involved in management, financing, creating legal structures, refurbishments and construction. Blue Tower, the 24 stories well known office building on Avenue Louise in Brussels, was one successful project where Grana International was involved, both as owner and manager.

  • 1990

    Expanding

    During the early 90’ the business of Grana International was expanded to include consulting, broker services, investigations, setting up corporate structures for, and advising other real estate owners/investors in the Benelux countries. Among the customers of Grana International were several Swedish Banks and foreign investment Companies.

     

    1990

  • 1992

     

    Shurgard

    In 1992 Grana International entered into one of its largest projects and researched into the Self Storage market in Europe. In early 1994 a joint venture was created together with Shurgard Self Storage Inc, a leading US Self Storage owner/operator, with the purpose of expanding the business in Europe. In 2004 Grana International sold its interest in Shurgard Europe to the mother company in the United States. At this stage, Shurgard Europe was operating in European 7 countries and managed 140 stores.

  • 2005

    Investing

    In 2005 Grana International invested in Street Car, a UK car sharing company that later was sold to Zip Car. Grana International also invested in Taxi System, a Swedish based Taxi booking and taximeter company and worked with the founders to build the business in Sweden. The company was sold in 2012 to the founders.

     

    2005

  • 2006

     

    SelStor

    In late 2006 Grana International started SelStor, a Self Storage company based in Stockholm Sweden, focusing on building a Self Storage platform in Sweden. The company was sold in December 2012. At this stage SelStor had 8 operating stores and 2 under construction in the greater Stockholm market.

  • 2014

    24Storage

    In 2014 Grana International started 24Storage. A new Self Storage company with innovative and new thinking ideas that would make them stand out from the rest. This made them very successful and today you can find more than 25 facilities in Sweden. 24Storage was later in December 2019 listed on the stock exchange.

     

    2014

  • 2020

     

    Zipplify

    Starts Zipplify which is sold to Assa Abbloy in 2022.

  • 2021

    StoreInn

    StoreInn develops and manage asset portfolios and self storage operations for professional investors with a data-driven and automated operations model. This enables lower operational costs, improved abilities to optimize revenues and efficient reporting to property owners.

     

    2021

  • 2021

     

    Inntello

    Inntello’s efficient data-driven centralized management platform help to streamline operations, reduce costs, enable new smaller facilities. All which make a significant boost for investors.

Establishment in Brussels

Grana International, established in 1987 in Belgium, initially focused on real estate investments and property management. As a sister company to real estate firms operating in Sweden and the United States, it was owned by the Fogelberg family. Grana International engaged in independent investments as well as joint ventures, participating in various real estate projects in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Blue Tower: Grana International’s Landmark Acquisition in Brussels

In 1988, Grana International, along with a Swedish partner, acquired Sifi Louise SA, which included the iconic Blue Tower in Brussels, a 24-story office building. Grana International managed the day-to-day operations, leading to the highest rents in Brussels and full occupancy. In 1992, due to ownership changes, the decision was made to sell the building, and Grana International successfully sold it to the IKEA group.

Grana, Expanding Services to Consulting, Brokerage, and Corporate Structuring in the Benelux Region during the Early 1990s

In the early 1990s, Grana International underwent an expansion of its business activities. Alongside its existing real estate investments and property management operations, the company broadened its services to encompass consulting, broker services, investigations, and the establishment of corporate structures. Grana International began providing advisory services to other real estate owners and investors in the Benelux countries, further leveraging its expertise in the industry.

During this period, Grana International built a diverse clientele, including various Swedish banks and foreign investment companies. These institutions sought the professional guidance and support offered by Grana International in navigating the real estate landscape and maximizing their investments in the region. The company’s reputation and track record positioned it as a trusted partner and advisor in the industry.

Shurgard: A Landmark Joint Venture and Expansion in the European Self Storage Market

In 1992, Grana International embarked on one of its most significant endeavors by delving into the self storage market in Europe. Extensive research was conducted, leading to the formation of a joint venture in early 1994 with Shurgard Self Storage Inc., a prominent American public company specializing in self storage ownership and operation. The primary objective of this collaboration was to expand the self storage business across Europe.

Over the years, the joint venture thrived, and by 2004, Grana International decided to sell its stake in Shurgard Europe to the parent company based in the United States. At that time, Shurgard Europe had established a presence in seven European countries, managing a remarkable portfolio of 140 self storage facilities. Notably, Shurgard Europe has since evolved into a publicly listed company, currently holding the position as the largest self storage company in Europe.

Angel Investments: Fuelling Innovations in Car Sharing and Taxi Services

In 2005, Grana International ventured into the realm of angel investments, supporting disruptive start-ups and driving forward transformative concepts. One notable investment was made in Street Car, a car sharing company based in the UK. This forward-thinking venture eventually found success, as it was later acquired by Zip Car and subsequently by Avis, solidifying its position in the market.

Additionally, Grana International recognized the potential in Taxi System, a Swedish-based company focused on taxi booking and taximeter solutions. Collaborating closely with the founders, Grana International played a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the business in Sweden, resembling the early stages of Uber’s model. In 2012, as the company flourished, it was sold back to the founders, marking another successful investment journey.

SelStor, Transforming Self Storage in Stockholm, Sweden

Grana International introduced SelStor in late 2006 as a Stockholm-based self storage company, focused on establishing a prominent presence in Sweden. With eight operational stores and two more being built in the greater Stockholm market by December 2012, SelStor was subsequently acquired by Pelican Self Storage, under the management of M3 Capital Partners (M3).

24Storage: Revolutionizing Self Storage with Innovation and Expansion

In 2014, Grana International embarked on a new venture, 24Storage, a ground breaking self storage company that aimed to differentiate itself through an innovative and centrally managed self storage system platform. 24Storage adopted fresh and forward-thinking ideas to set itself apart from competitors in the industry. It strategically acquired existing self storage companies and also constructed its own storage facilities across Sweden, rapidly expanding its footprint.

The company achieved remarkable growth and progress, leading to its listing on the stock exchange in December 2019. However, in December 2021, 24Storage underwent a change as it was delisted and acquired by Nuveen Real Estate. At the time of the acquisition, 24Storage boasted nearly 30 storage facilities. Presently, the operations of the company are managed by Green Storage, continuing the legacy of providing efficient and reliable self storage services.

Source: Fastighetstidningen 3/2002

Source: Paris Match International 1991

Source: Vårt Kungsholmen Feb/2010

Source: DI 2008-04-29

Source: Fastighetsvärlden 11/2012

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