Ratos new main owner of Jøtul
Established in 1853, Jøtul has shown strong growth during the past ten years, with average annual sales growth of 10%. The company's products are sold around the world, primarily through specialty stores, but in some markets also through the do-it-yourself trade. Jøtul's market share in Scandinavia is roughly 25%, while its global market share is just under 10%. The company has production plants in Norway, Denmark, the USA and France. In all, Jøtul has 740 employees in six countries.
In early 2006 Jøtul acquired the Danish wood stove and fireplace manufacturer Krog Iversen. The acquisition complements Jøtul's product range with a line of modern-design wood stoves under the Scan brand plus a range of flue pipes. Moreover Jøtul is launching a number of new modern-design products. The company's goal is to pursue further growth in the years ahead in the Nordic region as well as in Europe and the USA.
Erik Moe, Managing Director of Jøtul, along with other members of the company's management, will be investing in Jøtul together with Ratos and Accent.
"We have a very positive view of Jøtul's future growth potential," says Arne Karlsson, CEO of Ratos. "The company is benefiting from the current strong interest in home furnishings and the rising cost of heating. With the considerably expanded product lineup obtained through the acquisition of Krog Iversen and new launches of the company's own products, we believe Jøtul has good opportunities to enter into new market segments."
Erik Moe, Managing Director of Jøtul, comments: "During the last few years we have worked on identifying areas in which we can further enhance customer benefit. We are now looking forward to incorporating Krog Iversen's high-quality products into our product range and launching new products at the same time that we analyse further opportunities for growth together with our new owners."
"We are very pleased to have this opportunity to continue developing Jøtul together with such a competent and financially strong partner as Ratos," says Jan Ohlsson, CEO of Accent Equity Partners and currently Chairman of Jøtul. "During our time as principal owner, the company has taken a number of steps toward becoming a leading player in its niche. Ratos's entry as an owner will further secure the company's opportunities to lead a consolidation in the market."
The transfer is conditional upon customary regulatory approvals.
For further information, please contact:
Arne Karlsson, CEO Ratos, +46 8 700 17 00
Anna-Karin Celsing, Head of Corporate Communications Ratos, +46 70 399 62 39
Erik Moe, Managing Director Jøtul, +47 906 92 419
Jan Ohlsson, Founding Partner, Accent Equity Partners, +46 8 545 073 00
Financial calendar from Ratos:
Interim report January-June 2006 24 August 2006
Interim report January-September 2006 10 November 2006
Ratos is a listed private equity company. The business concept is to maximise shareholder value over time by investing in, developing and divesting primarily unlisted companies. Ratos thus offers stock market players a unique investment opportunity. The equity of Ratos's investments is approximately SEK 11 billion. Ratos's holdings include Alimak Hek, Arcus, Anticimex, Atle Industri, Bisnode, Bluegarden, BTJ Group, Camfil, DIAB, Gadelius, GS-Hydro, Haendig, Haglöfs, HL Display, Hägglunds Drives, Industri Kapital, Inwido, Lindab, Overseas Telecom and Superfos.