Navigating growth with purpose:
Radu Opriș on KADRA’s journey with EMI Group
Navigating growth with purpose: Radu Opriș on KADRA’s journey with EMI Group
1. Given KADRA’s position at the time and your vision for its future, what inspired you to consider EMI Group’s proposal?
We were drawn to the opportunity for accelerated growth and the chance to internationalize our services and products. The experience, vision, and guidance provided by Jerome France and the board—made up of the Group’s other owners and investors—were also compelling factors. We recognized that remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving industry required an evolution in our approach. Observing larger corporations, it became clear that, over time, keeping up would become increasingly difficult without some kind of transformation.
In addition, the question of continuity weighed on me. I didn’t want to place pressure on my children to take over the business. Instead, I felt the need to explore various scenarios, considering the best way forward. The pandemic was another wake-up call, highlighting the need for strategic moves that would ensure KADRA’s future stability and resilience.
François Pirnay, Founder of Access Systems
2. As you evaluated the possibility of KADRA joining EMI Group, what key factors did you focus on to ensure a successful integration?
My main focus was on ensuring that KADRA’s team felt supported in this transition. We had built a close, dedicated team over many years, with much effort and commitment. A lot of heart was invested in KADRA, and I didn’t want to risk losing that connection. The priority was to preserve this bond while exploring the potential of working together in a larger group. I come from a background of steady, sustainable growth, so joining a group of companies similar in size to KADRA was more appealing than merging with one large company that might absorb us entirely. EMI Group offered shared values, aligned development goals, and a natural path for growth that respects KADRA’s identity.
3. What attracted you to becoming part of EMI Group, and what immediate or long-term opportunities have emerged for KADRA?
Being part of EMI Group with its broad expertise in our field was incredibly attractive. It gave us access to a diverse pool of knowledge, which has already helped us improve operations and enrich our team’s experience. Additionally, we gained access to a wider range of suppliers, expanding our market reach and opening the door to more complex projects. This strengthened supplier network has boosted our sales and allowed us to provide even more attractive services for our clients. On a long-term basis, EMI’s focus on service has been pivotal in helping us stay aligned with market trends and ensuring we remain competitive and profitable as we grow.
4. How has the transition to EMI Group influenced KADRA’s business approach and your team?
We have been able to retain our independence, which is something we value highly. We continue to pursue our own objectives, and this has made the transition smooth and natural, now with an increased emphasis on performance.The Group’s structure brought improvements in areas like financial analysis and coherence, and access to highly skilled people has enhanced our understanding and capabilities. Negotiations with suppliers have also been a huge plus, and our expanded team has brought many advantages.
6. How do you envision KADRA’s future within EMI Group? Is it what you had imagined for the business you founded 30 years ago?
As time goes by, I’m realizing more and more that the “chemistry works.” Although it’s been a short time within the timeline of KADRA’s existence, we’re moving with more energy, and decision-making has become more objective and, in some ways, simpler. I never envisioned this direction in KADRA’s early years, but seeing what we can achieve together as a team within EMI Group is exciting.
Internally, we’re becoming more rigorous, and those on the team who are eager to grow see this as a major advantage. They feel a renewed sense of purpose within a structure that is adapting quickly and expanding.
We’re now better able to evaluate and reduce risks, making informed choices that set the foundation for solid growth. It’s like moving from cautiously testing the waters to following a tried-and-true formula—complete with an ‘Attention: Wet Floor’ sign, helping us to anticipate and navigate slippery paths with confidence
7. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering joining the Group?
For many of us entrepreneurs, the idea of an exit or merging with a larger group is not initially part of the plan; our Romanian entrepreneurial landscape is not as forward-thinking as in other countries or more advanced economies. But what’s obvious is that being part of a group with shared objectives can offer incredible growth opportunities, with tangible benefits for all sides. My main recommendation would be to trust the people who developed these entrepreneurial businesses and have shaped their growth and further on to see the potential of growing together, as part of a larger structure. EMI Group offers a unique platform with immense growth potential, and aligning with such a group can be transformative.
