Our investment focus

Hakon Invest invests in retail companies that have come some way in their development but need a strong partner in order to make effective further progress.

In order to achieve a balanced risk profile in the portfolio besides the ICA holding, we seek investments in different retail areas in the Nordic and Baltic countries. We do not invest in start-ups or in large established companies that primarily need to be managed. So far two types of situation have arisen:

• Chains undergoing change or about to embark on restructuring
• Companies with wholly owned stores which are heading for an expansion phase or need to make add-on investments

 Investment criterias are a clear concept (or good opportunities to chisel out such a concept), entrepreneurship, strong and motivated management/owners, positive cash flow and good growth opportunities.

Hakon Invest’s main strategy is to own at least 50 percent in the portfolio companies. Normally at least one representative from Hakon Invest is a member of the Board of each portfolio company and we generally seek to be entrusted with the chairmanship.

Since the entrepreneurial spirit is a key factor for success, we are happy if the company’s founder and former owners stay on. In this way we acquire a shared agenda with those who run the company, which in turn creates a strong commitment and good opportunities to earn money for all owners, including Hakon Invest.