New era for PLH within Nordic architecture and sustainable collaboration

PLH is one of Denmark's leading architecture and design companies with a strong brand both within the Nordic region and Europe. The studio was founded in 1977 and employs around 250 employees, who work with all phases of architecture and design projects. With this broad expertise, PLH is a trusted partner for public, institutional, and private clients, including several C25 companies, with projects primarily in the fields of commercial, life science, retail, infrastructure, and housing. PLH is, among other projects, the architects and designers behind Svanemølleholmen in Nordhavn, which houses the headquarters of AP Pension and Nykredit, the Danish School of Journalism in Copenhagen - the new DMJX, the Ny Psykiatri Bispebjerg, HOFOR’s new waterworks, and the headquarters of DFDS and DSV.

PLH has one of the largest creative teams in Denmark, specializing in architecture, design, interior design, landscaping, user processes, and sustainability. Through close and solution-oriented collaboration with clients and partners, PLH develops buildings, spaces, and environments where people thrive, develop, and perform – always with a focus on design, functionality, and long-term value.

Futureproofing with respect for identity and culture

For many years PLH has experienced organic growth and in recent years has successfully implemented a new strategy, with the purpose of futureproofing the studio. Det new ownership strengthens this strategy. Aligned with XPartners’ business model, PLH will continue to operate under its own name, with the same leadership, teams and culture as before. That means, the previous owners, Søren Mølbak, Kirsten Herup Søvang, Lars Toksvig and Paulette Christophersen, still will be part of the leadership of the studio. Additionally, they have reinvested in XPartners, which is primarily owned by employees and entrepreneurs. The four partners look forward to still leading PLH in a more modern and sustainable direction, which XPartners strengthen the possibility for.

“We are very excited for this opportunity! By becoming part of XPartners we get the opportunity to grow on our own premises – preserve our culture and identity but backed up by the strength of a strong platform. We look forward to becoming part of the group and create even more value for our clients,” says CEO at PLH, Søren Mølbak and continues:

“PLH has experienced great organic growth the last couple of years and especially the latest years, where we have a had a strategic focus on strengthen our market position and futureproofing the ownership without compromising on our identity and culture, which we cherish. We have been approached by many others who have been interested in a fusion or acquisition, but XPartners was the first one where we were confident in that it was the right choice.”

Nordic cooperation as a lever for sustainability

The Nordic model for cooperation and innovation is the cornerstone for XPartners’ CEO, Sonny Mirborn, which emphasizes that PLH’s unique approach to architecture and design, which build on Nordics values like trust, transparence and interdisciplinary collaboration, is a perfect match:

“We are very proud that PLH has chosen to join XPartners. They share our belief that entrepreneurship, sustainability and collaboration are the foundation for future societal development. With their expertise, market position and strong culture, we are further strengthening our presence in the Danish market.”

As part of XPartners, PLH continues its strategic development and strengthens its internationalization. The studio is currently opening a new office in Odense and is investing in its presence in Germany, Baltics, and Norway.

The acquisition is pending approval by local authorities and is expected to be finalized in the coming months.

About XPartners

XPartners is a Nordic consulting group within engineering and design. XPartners 1,500 specialists advice clients in the infrastructure, buildings, energy, and environmental sectors. The group consists of over 40 entrepreneurially driven companies, which are supported through a shared platform for collaboration and growth. XPartners generate SEK 3 billion in annual revenue and are primarily owned by their employees, with support from the private equity firm Axcel.