An investment in commercial connections is strengthening links between the Catalano and Hywood families.

With sons Jordan Catalano and Tom Hywood already working together in real estate website business Apartments & Developments, their fathers have sealed closer links with Antony Catalano’s IMP taking a share in utilities service business Beevo, of which Greg Hywood is chairman.

Catalano senior has revealed the investment made by the real estate digital media investment vehicle he shares with Alex Waislitz, who together own Australian Community Media.

He says the spend on Beevo will “further support” the development of digital solutions for the commercial real estate sector. Through its website, Beevo provides a free service to connect businesses to utilities, whether they are leasing or buying commercial property, or reviewing the cost of existing services. “Best of all,” the company says on its website, “your utility company pays us to help you.”

Catalano helped Beevo founders chief executive James Nooney and chief commercial officer Samuel Daish take control in 2019 following a joint venture with Domain.

Antony Catalano says the Beevo deal is “a win-win” given ACM’s ability to help educate and drive awareness of the Beevo offering to its 6.4 million monthly audience. “Investment in a company like Beevo deepens our relationships with these businesses as we look to provide assistance beyond the traditional advertising solutions ACM has historically offered.”

He also points out that getting to know its clients helps them to tailor solutions to help their businesses. After “impressive growth in challenging times”, Beevo will provide a “critical touchpoint” in the commercial property market and contribute to broader ambitions.

Daish says the partnership provides marketing benefits and will allow them to continue building the technology solution.

IMP also has equity in realestateview.com.au and Propic, following a series of investments in proptech start-ups.