Citex grows with Hong Kong acquisition

Citex Properties & Facilities has acquired IT specialist Planex as a part of its development strategy in Hong Kong.

MD Andy Ritchie told i-FM: "No other FM provider here has an in-house resource like this. It's a part of our commitment to building a total service offering."

The 20-strong Planex is a leading supplier and operator of IT services, mainly for blue-chip companies. Founder Philip Lo, who joins Citex Properties & Facilities as a director, has been a strong proponent of FM, helping to introduce the concept into the Hong Kong market.

Ritchie, who has worked in the Asia/Pacific region since 1993, is enthusiastic about the timing of this acquisition. With economic downturn, costs in Hong Kong in particular are becoming a major concern. As a result, Ritchie says, interest in effective facilities management is growing rapidly. He expects to be able to announce at least one significant new contract in the near future.

Elliott Chase