Top Private Equity Firms Sweden List 2024 Private Equity Stockholm Private Equity Firms Guide

Top Private Equity Firms Sweden Overview

Sweden has emerged as a prominent player in the private equity landscape, with a dynamic market attracting both local and international investors with a good economy that weathered Covid well.

The country boasts a well-developed private equity ecosystem, supported by the Swedish Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (SVCA), which serves as the industry association for the sector.

Alongside the regulatory framework and a robust economy, Sweden provides a nurturing environment for private equity firms to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of the nation.

Major Swedish private equity firms, such as EQT, have demonstrated remarkable successes in their investment portfolios, covering sectors like technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, logistics, and more.

With billions of euros in assets under management, these firms play a significant role in shaping the country's investment landscape. Several large transactions and deals have garnered attention, positioning Sweden as an essential hub for private equity investors in Europe.

Sweden Private Equity Guide - Key Takeaways

• Sweden offers a vibrant private equity ecosystem, backed by a supportive industry association and conducive regulatory environment.

• Major private equity firms, such as EQT, command significant assets under management and invest in a diverse range of sectors.

• High-profile transactions and deals in the Swedish private equity market have propelled the country to become a key European investment hub.

Private Equity in Sweden

The Swedish private equity market has seen significant growth and success in recent years, with a number of firms based in the country becoming key players in the European capital markets.

As a mature and sophisticated market, Swedish private equity firms have managed to achieve strong performance and add value to their portfolio companies, regardless of the challenging economic landscape.

Swedish private equity firms, such as EQT and various other players listed on Crunchbase, are known for their strategic investment approach and strong industry networks. This allows these firms to source, execute and manage investments effectively.

Additionally, Sweden's stable and transparent legal framework provides an ideal environment for private equity transactions.

In terms of deal count and deal value, the Swedish private equity market has been performing remarkably well.

For instance, in 2022, the European private equity market faced various challenges, yet it saw marked increase in areas like deal count and deal value, with a significant number of those transactions involving Swedish firms, as reported by Pitchbook.

The Swedish Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (SVCA) is the main organisation that supports and represents the private equity industry in Sweden.

This body aims to promote the growth of the sector, enhance transparency and improve dialogue with other market participants and regulatory bodies.

According to SVCA's website, investments made by private equity firms have contributed significantly to the country's GDP, reflecting the ability of private equity investment to drive economic growth in Sweden.

The private equity landscape in Sweden includes not only large, established players, but also smaller firms focusing on venture capital, growth equity and buyouts. With a highly educated and skilled workforce, combined with a strong focus on innovation and technology, Sweden's private equity market is well-positioned to continue generating opportunities for both financial and strategic investors in the future.

In summary, the Swedish private equity market demonstrates resilience and growth while contributing to the country's economic development.

Its participants, ranging from large, established firms to smaller, niche players, are creating value through strategic investments and efficient management of their portfolio companies, making the Swedish market an attractive destination for both local and international investors.

Private Equity Sweden Guide

Major Swedish Private Equity Firms

Sweden has a robust private equity market with several prominent firms dominating the landscape. One of the largest and most well-known is EQT, a Stockholm-based firm established in 1994. EQT focuses on diverse sectors including technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, and logistics. As of 2022, EQT manages approximately €210 billion / US$227 billion in assets.

Another leading Swedish private equity firm is Nordic Capital. They specialise in investments across healthcare, technology, financial services, and industrial sectors.

With a long history of creating value for its stakeholders, Nordic Capital has earned a reputation for active ownership and employing a sector-focused investment approach.

Gernandt & Danielsson is one of Sweden's prominent law firms with expertise in private equity. They have assisted numerous private equity clients, including EQT and Nordic Capital, in various transactions, legal matters, and negotiations.

As a key player in Swedish private equity, Gernandt & Danielsson ensures that the legal framework is in place for successful investments in the region.

Alongside these major players, the Swedish private equity landscape is populated by a number of other active investors.

Almi Invest, Creandum, and EQT Ventures, among others, have demonstrated significant activity in the market, as detailed in a PitchBook report. These firms, while smaller in scale, contribute to the robustness of the Swedish private equity ecosystem.

It's clear that Sweden's private equity sector is diverse, and the entities mentioned, including EQT, Nordic Capital, and Gernandt & Danielsson, continue to shape the market. The presence of these firms helps drive the growth and development of the Swedish economy, solidifying Sweden's position as an attractive destination for private equity investments.

Private Equity Sweden Investment Sectors

In Sweden, private equity firms have been targeting a diverse range of investment sectors, leveraging opportunities to create value and boost the economy.

Some of the primary sectors that have attracted significant private equity investments include media, technology, real estate, infrastructure, telecommunications, logistics, and healthcare.

The media sector has seen substantial growth in recent years, driven by the rapid development of digital platforms and streaming services. Private equity firms are capitalising on this trend and investing in media companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and expansion.

One example of a Swedish private equity firm with a focus on media investments is EQT, which has an active portfolio of 137 companies across various sectors.

Technology investments have also gained prominence in the Swedish private equity landscape. Firms are recognising the value in investing in technology companies that offer innovative solutions and have the potential for global scalability.

In addition to traditional technology companies, private equity firms are increasingly looking at technology-enabled sectors, such as fintech and cleantech, for potential investments.

Another attractive sector for private equity investments is real estate. With a relatively stable economy and attractive property market, Sweden has become a key destination for real estate investments. Private equity firms are actively pursuing opportunities in commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties throughout the country.

Infrastructure has been a crucial sector for private equity investment in Sweden, as well.

With the aim of improving essential services, such as transportation, energy, and water, private equity firms are working closely with local governments and organisations to invest in the development and modernisation of the country's infrastructure.

Investments in the telecommunications sector have also increased recently, as Sweden continues to be a leader in mobile and broadband technology.

With the progressive deployment of 5G networks, private equity firms are exploring opportunities to invest in telecommunication companies, as well as supporting industries, such as data centres.

The logistics and healthcare sectors are other areas where private equity firms are actively investing. In the logistics space, investments have focused on companies that capitalise on the growth of e-commerce and offer innovative supply chain solutions.

In healthcare, private equity firms are identifying opportunities in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and health services companies that foster innovation and deliver improved patient outcomes.

In conclusion, Swedish private equity investments span across a diverse range of sectors, reflecting the dynamic nature of the country's economy.

By targeting strategic areas such as media, technology, real estate, infrastructure, telecommunications, logistics, and healthcare, private equity firms are playing a key role in driving growth and innovation throughout Sweden.

Private Equity Sweden Guide

Notable Transactions and Deals

Acquisitions and Buyouts

In recent years, the Swedish private equity market witnessed several notable acquisitions and buyouts.

A prime example is the investment by EQT, one of Sweden's top private equity firms, which has an impressive €114B assets under management (AUM) across various sectors, including technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, and logistics.

Some key transactions they have participated in are the investment of $3 billion in Japan and a $2.4 billion deal involving Gympass.

Healthcare is another sector that experienced significant private equity investments. Over the last 12 months, the sector accounted for 10% of private equity investment by value, up from just 6% over the preceding 12 months.

This focus is anticipated to accelerate, with 60% of respondents to the EY PE Pulse Industry Survey expecting a greater emphasis on the sector.

Additionally, the Nordic private equity market, which includes Sweden, recorded a significant year-over-year increase in deal values.

In 2021, the market experienced 1,064 deals worth a combined €108.3 billion, marking a 101.1% and 175.2% increase in deal count and value, respectively, compared to 2020, as highlighted in the 2022 Nordic Private Capital Breakdown.

Sweden Private Equity IPOs and Capital Markets

The Swedish capital markets have also been vibrant with initial public offerings (IPOs) and other public market transactions. Interest rates and overall market conditions have influenced the volume and value of deals in this space.

Recent examples of notable IPOs in Sweden include the Stockholm-based company Sinch's €400 million secondary listing on the Nasdaq Stockholm in 2020. The transaction significantly increased the available liquidity for the company's shares, enabling access to a broader investor base.

Additionally, the Swedish buy-now-pay-later firm Klarna is currently gearing up for a highly anticipated IPO that is expected to have a significant impact on the country's capital markets.

In summary, the Swedish private equity landscape has experienced numerous notable transactions and deals across various sectors and markets.

The trends showcase the accelerating growth and increasing emphasis on sectors like healthcare, as well as the continual inflow of capital in the form of acquisitions, buyouts, and IPOs, reflecting a buoyant and dynamic market.

Legislation and Regulatory Environment

In recent years, the legislation and regulatory environment for private equity in Sweden has evolved to keep pace with the changes in the domestic and international markets.

A key aspect of this landscape is the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551), which governs numerous aspects related to private equity transactions and corporate governance.

The Swedish Takeover Rules is another essential component, regulating the process of public takeovers and relevant disclosures.

Although these rules primarily apply to public companies, they are also indirectly relevant for private equity firms in Europe involved in the acquisition of publicly traded companies.

A crucial aspect of Sweden's regulatory framework is its adherence to the EU's legislation and directives. For instance, Sweden has implemented EU Regulation 2019/452 to establish a framework for screening foreign direct investments into the country.

This regulation aims to identify transactions and security-sensitive activities, obliging relevant sellers and acquirers to provide information to regulatory authorities.

Speaking of authorities, the Swedish regulatory environment involves multiple agencies such as the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (SFSA) and the Swedish Competition Authority, which oversee the markets and ensure compliance with the national and EU regulations.

Competition law is also a significant element of the regulatory environment for private equity in Sweden. The Swedish Competition Act focuses on protecting competition by preventing restrictive agreements, dominant firm abuses, and anti-competitive mergers.

To ensure compliance, European private equity firms must seek clearance from the Swedish Competition Authority for any acquisitions that may have potential implications for market competition.

In conclusion, the legislation and regulatory environment for private equity in Sweden is a multifaceted and ever-evolving landscape that encompasses various aspects such as the Companies Act, Swedish takeover rules, EU directives, as well as the involvement of regulatory authorities.

Private equity firms active in this market must remain vigilant and well-informed to ensure compliance and navigate the complexities of this environment successfully.

Private Equity Sweden Guide

Fund Formation and Management

In the Swedish private equity landscape, fund formation and management play a crucial role in the efficient deployment of capital for investments. A variety of entities are involved in this process, including venture capital firms, private equity funds, fund managers, limited partners, and assets under management.

Venture capital firms in Sweden focus primarily on investing in early-stage companies and startups, providing financial support and expertise to help them grow.

These firms typically raise capital from various sources, such as pension funds, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals, and then allocate this capital to promising ventures in exchange for equity ownership or convertible debt instruments.

Private equity funds, on the other hand, target more mature companies, often using leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, or minority investments to gain control or significant influence over their portfolio companies.

These funds, like their venture capital counterparts, also raise capital from limited partners, which consist of institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and other sophisticated investors.

Fund managers have the responsibility of overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of venture capital and private equity funds.

Their primary tasks include sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities, structuring and executing transactions, monitoring portfolio companies' performance, and eventually exiting investments to generate returns for their limited partners.

Additionally, fund managers often take on advisory roles to support the growth and development of their portfolio companies.

Limited partners are the primary source of capital for private equity and venture capital funds, and they expect fund managers to effectively manage their investments.

These partners commit their capital to a fund with the expectation of receiving returns over a predefined period, usually several years. In return for their capital commitment, limited partners typically receive a proportionate share of the fund's profits and ongoing investment updates and reports.

The assets under management (AUM) of a private equity or venture capital fund represent the total market value of the investments it oversees on behalf of its limited partners.

A higher AUM often signifies a more prominent and experienced fund with a proven track record of successful investments.

The size of a fund's AUM can influence its investment strategy, risk appetite and its ability to access larger investment opportunities.

Fund formation in Sweden typically entails a series of legal and regulatory steps. Firms like Mannheimer Swartling and Vinge offer specialised services to assist clients with the formation, structuring and fundraising for their private equity and venture capital funds.

This process includes, among other things, the establishment of the fund's legal structure, preparing offering documents and navigating regulatory requirements.

By understanding the various components of fund formation and management within the Swedish private equity landscape, investors and managers can make more informed decisions and ultimately contribute to the growth of the industry in Sweden.

Economic Impact of Private Equity in Sweden

The private equity (PE) industry in Sweden has a significant positive influence on the country's economy. Over the past decade, more than 1,000 Swedish firms have received PE investments, amounting to approximately €15 billion.

These companies represent over 270,000 jobs in the country and contributed to around 5.5% of Sweden's GDP.

Investments in Swedish companies: Private equity firms support the growth of businesses by providing capital and resources. They offer specialised sector knowledge, specific risk profiles, and long investment horizons, which contribute to a successful green transformation.

Additionally, these firms help Swedish companies achieve their ambitious climate goals, indicating an important role in future economic development.

Impact on the Swedish economy: Private equity contributes positively to the economy through job creation and business expansion. Companies backed by private equity have been found to have a positive effect on the economic scenario relative to their non-private equity-owned counterparts.

Moreover, the investment capital provided by private equity is comparable to the total IPO capital supplied by Nasdaq Stockholm during the same period.

Inflation and private equity: While there isn't explicit information on the relationship between private equity and inflation in Sweden, it can be inferred that through job creation and increased economic activity, PE contributes to robust economic performance. A well-performing economy with controlled inflation is crucial for businesses to thrive and grow.

In summary, private equity in Sweden is a significant driving force for economic growth, job creation, and businesses' overall success. With consistent investment in Swedish companies, the PE industry helps the nation to achieve its sustainability goals while maintaining a stable economic environment.

Private Equity Firms Sweden Guide Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the top private equity firms in Sweden?

Sweden has a thriving private equity market, with several prominent firms operating in the country. Some of the top private equity firms in Sweden include EQT, Nordic Capital, IK Investment Partners, and Altor.

Who are the major players in the Swedish private equity market?

The Swedish private equity market is dominated by a handful of major players, including EQT, Nordic Capital, and IK Investment Partners. These firms have a strong track record of investing in a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.

What is the typical investment strategy of Swedish private equity firms?

Swedish private equity firms typically invest in companies with strong growth potential, often taking a majority stake in the business. They may also seek to acquire struggling companies and turn them around through operational improvements and restructuring.

How do Swedish private equity firms compare to their European counterparts?

Swedish private equity firms are among the most active and successful in Europe, with a strong track record of generating high returns for investors. They are known for their rigorous due diligence processes and focus on long-term value creation.

What is the current state of the private equity industry in Sweden?

The private equity industry in Sweden is currently experiencing strong growth, with increasing levels of investment in a range of sectors. The country's stable political and economic environment, coupled with a highly skilled workforce, make it an attractive destination for private equity firms looking to invest in Europe.

What are some of the notable investments made by Swedish private equity firms in recent years?

Swedish private equity firms have made a range of notable investments in recent years, including EQT's acquisition of Swedish medical technology firm Atos Medical and Nordic Capital's investment in online gaming company Trustly. These investments highlight the strong growth potential of Swedish businesses and the attractiveness of the country's private equity market.

What are the top private equity firms in Sweden?

Sweden has a thriving private equity market, with several prominent firms operating in the country. Some of the top private equity firms in Sweden include EQT, Nordic Capital, IK Investment Partners, and Altor.

How has the Swedish private equity market evolved over time?

Over the past 10 years, more than 1,000 Swedish companies have received private equity (PE) capital, amounting to around €15 billion. This is approximately the same as the total IPO capital supplied by Nasdaq Stockholm during the same period. These companies represent over 270,000 jobs in Sweden and account for around 5.5% of Sweden's GDP.

What is the role of the Swedish Venture Capital Association in the private equity sector?

Although the search results do not provide specific information about the Swedish Venture Capital Association's role in the private equity sector, one can assume that as an industry association, it plays a key role in promoting, supporting, and advocating for both private equity firms and venture capital firms in Sweden.

The association likely works to establish best practices, foster networking opportunities, and contribute to the development of relevant policies and regulations.

How does the private equity career landscape in Sweden compare to other countries?

The search results do not provide direct information about the private equity career landscape in Sweden compared to other countries. However, given the prominence of Swedish private equity firms, the career opportunities in this sector are likely to be competitive and comparable to those in other major private equity markets worldwide.

What sectors do Swedish private equity firms typically focus on?

Swedish private equity firms invest in a range of sectors, including technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, logistics, and more. For example, EQT invests in various industries and currently has an active portfolio of 137 companies.

How do regulations affect the private equity industry in Sweden?

While the search results do not provide specific information on the impact of regulations on the private equity industry in Sweden, it is reasonable to assume that regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in shaping the sector's operating environment.

Legal and regulatory considerations likely influence deal structures, cross-border investments, compliance requirements, and investor protection measures. Swedish private equity firms must navigate these complex regulations to ensure successful deals and maintain their competitive edge.

Footnotes

1. Swedish Private Equity Market - A Footprint Analysis

2. Economic Footprint of Swedish Private Equity - Copenhagen Economics

3. Private Equity's Effect on Financial Fragility in Sweden

Top Private Equity Firms Sweden Private Equity Sweden Guide