Södra transfers Berg & Berg to Mor-Gerd

Södra is transferring Berg & Berg in Kallinge to the Mor-Gerd Group, controlled by Bernt Ivarsson, who also owns the Profura Group. On 21 November, Södra announced the commencement of a procedure to close the parquet flooring manufacturer Berg & Berg. “Following a decision to close the company, one of the interested parties, Bernt Ivarsson, has today entered into an agreement with Södra regarding the takeover of Berg & Berg. We are delighted with this turn of events, especially for our employees,” said Peter Karlsson, Head of the Södra Interiör segment.

Last summer, Södra decided to withdraw from the Interiör segment, which includes parquet flooring, and divested all of the segment’s other operations. At the same time, an announcement was made that Berg & Berg was for sale. Södra’s held discussions with various interest parties to find a suitable solution, but none of these were successful. On 21 November, Södra instead announced the commencement of a procedure to close the company, affecting some 60 employees.

Following the decision to close the company, one of its stakeholders, Bernt Ivarsson, owner of the Mor-Gerd and Profura Groups, decided to take over the business.

“I am aware that this will be a challenge and that the unit is in major need of investment, but I am prepared to take over the business. Berg & Berg is a leader in sustainable parquet, which ensures that the flooring has neutralised its carbon impact. Berg & Berg combines careful management of natural resources with the demands of a modern lifestyle. Respect for the environment is paramount today, so I think that we can work together to turn this business around. I have been working closely and successfully with Södra for more than 30 years, and have confidence in this business transaction,” said Bernt Ivarsson.

“We wish Bernt the best of luck, and we will continue to supply Berg & Berg with raw material from Södra members’ forests,” said Peter Karlsson.

Ivarsson founded his business operations in 1974 and is based in Gothenburg. Not far from Berg & Berg, the Group has control of AriVislanda, LB-Hus in Bromölla, Trensum in Tingsryd, and Olle Svensson in Olofström. The Group comprises about 20 companies and generated total sales of SEK 3.2 billion in 2017.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Karlsson, Head of the Södra Interiör segment
Tel: +46 (0)470 890 28
E-mail: peter.ma.karlsson@sodra.com

Bernt Ivarsson, owner of the Mor Gerd and Profura Groups
Tel: +46 (0)70-658 57 80
E-mail: info@profura.se

Södra’s Pressroom
Tel: +46 (0)470 890 90
E-mail:press@sodra.com

Södra was founded in 1938 and is the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with a membership of more than 51,000 forest owners. We engage in modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which we process our raw material. Net sales in 2017 were 20.5 SEK billion and there were 3,400 employees. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra is leading the way for the future of sustainable forestry.

Tags: