Johns Lyng Group has boosted its position in restoration services with the acquisition of a majority interest in Steamatic Australia.

The transaction gives Johns Lyng a 60% stake in the firm with the remainder held by Steamatic Australia founder Oliver Threlfall, who retains operational responsibility, while also taking a lead role in Steamatic’s international operations and franchisee relations.

Johns Lyng says the $10.8 million deal adds to its local restoration business and is a natural progression of its international expansion strategy following acquisition of the Steamatic Global Master Franchise in fiscal 2019.

At that time the company gained access to 11 international master franchise agreements and 39 US-based franchises.

“This created a strong platform for strategic international expansion of our restoration services offering, and we’re pleased to progress this strategy through the acquisition of Steamatic Australia,” CEO Scott Didier said today.

“The group remains firmly focused on our international growth strategy with further franchise and other acquisitions currently under assessment.”

Steamatic Australia employs 190 staff and operates in 39 locations, including 34 regional franchisees and five company-owned metropolitan locations. It will run independently of the Johns Lyng Restorx business.