DEKRA acquires Tähti Katsastus OY in Eastern Finland
Global Number One Starts Vehicle Inspections in Finland
With the acquisition of Tähti Katsastus OY, the international expert organization DEKRA is entering the vehicle inspection market in Finland. Tähti Katsastus’ six stations, most of them located in the province of Eastern Finland, are going to serve as a starting point for growing DEKRA’s vehicle inspection business in the country.
- Six inspection stations as a starting point for growth in the country
- Further expansion planned in Denmark and Sweden as well
- DEKRA active in vehicle inspection in 23 countries around the globe
“As the world leader in vehicle inspection, we are looking forward to bringing our expertise to Finland”, says Stan Zurkiewicz, DEKRA Board Member and Chief Operating Officer. “Road safety depends on vehicles in good technical condition, and periodical technical inspection is the way to make sure they are safe. DEKRA has almost a century of experience in this field. We are honored to bring our high-quality service and reputation for integrity to our new customers in Finland.”
Vehicle inspection in Finland today is a market with many small and regional players. Tähti Katsastus was founded in 2012. The company and its six stations have been acquired by DEKRA as of October 1. Employees have been taken on board by DEKRA, including the company’s founder and owner.
“In Finland, we are hoping to repeat the success story that has been our vehicle inspection business in Sweden and Denmark”, says Peter Laursen, DEKRA Executive Vice President and Head of the Region North-West Europe. In Sweden, DEKRA started in 2011 with a few inspection stations; today, there are 76 all over the country. Similarly, in Denmark, business has grown from six stations in 2018 to more than 50 and a number-two market position today. “Our plan is to grow DEKRA’s vehicle inspection business substantially in Finland, as well as in Sweden and Denmark”, adds Laursen.
“At 27 million per year worldwide, DEKRA inspects more vehicles than any other organization”, says Christoph Nolte, Executive Vice President and Head of the DEKRA Service Division Vehicle Inspection. “Today, we are active in the field in 23 countries across the globe, from Sweden to South Africa, from the U.S. to New Zealand.” The latest additions were Mexico and Chile, where the first DEKRA inspection stations opened earlier this year.