Industrifonden in partial exit from leading lifestyle brand Oatly
Industrifonden sells the majority of its shares in leading lifestyle company Oatly. The proceeds from the partial exit will be reinvested into Industrifonden's evergreen fund, and back other early-stage tech and life science pioneers. Industrifonden retains a smaller stake in the company, and welcomes a new international partner that will support the growth strategy in new key markets, and the further globalisation of the lifestyle brand.
Oatly was founded in the 1990s, and is based on Swedish research from Lund University. Industrifonden joined the company in 2002, and has since 2006 been one of the major shareholders. Today the company has established itself as one of the Nordic’s leading ethical and sustainable lifestyle brands and a leader among Nordic foodtech companies. With its unique patented oat-based technology and product range, the company is available in more than 20 countries across Europe and Asia. Oatly had a turnover of SEK 369 million last year.
– Oatly has rewritten the rules in a competitive market dominated by large players. As a value-driven company with the aim of enabling people to make healthy and sustainable choices in food, we are very proud of what the Oatly team has achieved to date. It’s been a fantastic journey – and it has also been a very successful investment so far for Industrifonden, says Thomas Carlström, Investment Manager at Industrifonden.
– The relation with Industrifonden has been a truly valuable partnership, and we are happy that they remain as shareholders in the company. Our new partner adds a valuable network and industrial operational expertise in new key markets, especially in China and US. In addition, the partnership will enable investments in further production capacity and product development resources in Landskrona and creating job opportunities, says Toni Petersson, CEO at Oatly.
A joint venture between international investors Verlinvest and China Resources, will assist the current management team and existing owners in bringing Oatly to new audiences across the world. Both companies have a wealth of experience in developing high-growth, innovative lifestyle brands.
– After an extensive search we are delighted to have found new partners in an ideal position to support Oatly in the next stage of development. We are confident of the future prospects of Oatly, and therefore we are excited to remain as partners, says Thomas Carlström.
Other existing shareholders including Östersjöstiftelsen, founders, private investors and employees will also retain stakes in Oatly.
For more information, please contact
Sara Mattsson, Communication, Industrifonden
+46 70 87 87 758
sara.m@industrifonden.com
About Oatly
Oatly was founded in the 1990s and is based on Swedish research from Lund University. The company’s patented enzyme technology copies nature’s own process and turns fiber rich oats into nutritional liquid food that is perfectly designed for humans. Oatly’s mission is to upgrade the lives of individuals and the general well-being of the planet through a lineup of original oat drinks. Based in the south of Sweden with headquarters in Malmö and a production & development center in Landskrona, Oatly currently employs about 120 people and has a turnover of 369 MSEK (2015). Oatly’s products are available in more than 20 countries throughout Europe and Asia.
About Industrifonden
Industrifonden is a Nordic venture capital investor, focusing on early stage tech and life science companies with international potential. Industrifonden is an active partner to companies with ground-breaking ideas and capacity to grow. Industrifonden is an evergreen fund with SEK 4 billion ($500 m) in assets.
