We are a family-owned, values-driven investment company based in Gothenburg. We invest in profitable companies with ambitions to grow, and we do not operate with a predefined exit horizon. We invest where we wholeheartedly believe we can contribute with capital, experience, strategy, and a team of competencies that make a long-term difference.

In this article, we describe our investment philosophy, our investment criteria, and how we work hands-on with business development following an investment. We also share perspectives from our Investment Manager Anna Langenius and link to a longer interview with her for those interested.

Investment, to us, is a relationship — not a transaction

An investment can look many different ways on paper. But what determines whether it works in reality is almost always the same things: values, personal chemistry, and the willingness to create and build together.

We believe in long-term relationships, clear communication, and active ownership. We do not step in and take over, but rather act as a resourceful owner — close when needed and respectful of what is already working well.

The entrepreneur knows their company best. They understand the market, the customers, the product, and the culture. Our role is to complement that with structure, experience, and perspectives that make the next step possible.

Hammarviken’s investment philosophy in brief

Our investment philosophy is built on a few simple — yet incredibly important — principles:

Long-term ownership: We are not driven by a defined exit horizon.

Active involvement: We invest to contribute, not just to manage.

Values-driven: Openness, honesty, respect, and competence form the foundation of everything we do.

Focus on development: We invest in companies where the potential is clear and where we believe we can make a meaningful difference.

Majority ownership: We often aim for majority ownership, as it creates clarity and accountability.

For us, investments are just as much about creating security and stability as they are about driving development. A company with a healthy organization, a clear direction, and a stable owner behind it is often given entirely different conditions for growth — and for preserving the qualities that made the company strong from the very beginning.

The Rydhede family, owners of Hammarviken. From left to right: Josefin, Christoffer, Mats, and Mona.

What are our investment criteria

When we invest, we are guided by our investment philosophy, but we also have clear criteria that help us prioritize the right opportunities. Here are the most important ones.

1. A stable foundation to build on

We invest in mature and established companies — businesses with a proven business model, loyal customers, and a culture that can continue to grow and evolve.

As Anna Langenius describes in her interview, Hammarviken is often interested in well-established companies with strong profitability and clear potential. In the same interview, she summarizes our approach like this:

“We do not make acquisitions unless we wholeheartedly believe we can develop the company further — by contributing capital, strategy, knowledge, and networks that help move the business forward.”

Read the full interview here.

2. Mid-sized companies with clear potential

We invest in mid-sized companies where there is a clear opportunity to scale and grow further. This may involve a generational transition, the need for a stronger strategic framework, ambitions to expand geographically, broaden the offering, or build the structure needed for a larger organization.

Potential can look different depending on the industry, but we are often drawn to companies where we see that the market is stable or growing, the company has a clear position, there are opportunities for development within the business, organization, or structure, and where the team has the ambition to move forward and is open to building together.

3. Operations in Sweden — preferably close to Gothenburg

As an investment company based in Gothenburg, it is natural for us to invest in and around the region whenever possible. Geographic proximity enables active ownership, close dialogue, and collaboration that does not become distant.

At the same time, we also invest in companies located in other parts of Sweden, and in some cases across the Nordics, if we believe the right conditions exist for a close and successful partnership.

4. Majority ownership and clarity of responsibility

We generally prefer to hold a majority stake in the companies we invest in. Majority ownership creates clearer responsibility, mandate, and direction. It makes it easier to work long-term, make decisions that move the company forward, and at the same time protect the culture that already exists.

With majority ownership also comes a responsibility to be active and engaged — and we are. We take our role as owners seriously and want to create security and stability for both management teams and employees.

5. We want to contribute with more than capital

We only invest in companies where we believe we can add meaningful competence and experience. This may involve board work, structure, business development, financing, marketing, sustainability, HR, or other key areas needed for the company to take the next step.

When we feel that we can contribute in a real and tangible way, the ownership becomes meaningful for both parties. Feel free to read more about our competencies here.

Why companies seek a new owner — and how we can be the right partner

A company can have many reasons for wanting to bring in a new owner. Often, it comes from a positive ambition — to secure the company’s future, develop the business, and create stability for the next phase. But it can also be about changes in the ownership structure, where one owner may want to step away while another wants to continue, or a desire to avoid the business losing momentum.

In many cases, it may also involve a generational transition or a wish for an active and stable owner who can contribute not only with long-term commitment, but also with the capital needed for future growth.

Two of Hammarviken’s subsidiaries: BESAB, a specialist company within rock, concrete, and groundworks, and Fruktbudet, which delivers fruit baskets to workplaces.

The investment process — how we approach an investment

1. Initial contact and dialogue

This stage is about understanding one another. What are the company’s goals? Why is the company considering bringing in a new owner? What is important to preserve? What ambitions exist for the future?

We appreciate when this dialogue can remain open and exploratory, without pressure or predefined expectations. In most cases, it quickly becomes clear whether the match feels right or not.

2. Initial evaluation

If we decide to move forward, we look at the fundamental factors: values and personal chemistry, industry dynamics, company size, profitability, development potential, and ownership structure.

At this stage, we usually work efficiently and move quickly, simply because we do not believe in prolonging the process unnecessarily.

3. Confidentiality agreement and deeper information sharing

When we formally move forward, we sign a confidentiality agreement and begin reviewing more detailed information.

For us, it is important that the company has strong financial reporting, a clear legal structure, and well-functioning operations. Equally important is that the dialogue continues to be open, honest, and transparent throughout the process.

4. Due diligence and negotiation

At this stage, we conduct a more thorough review of the company — financially, legally, commercially, and in some cases operationally as well. We also carry out due diligence on key individuals within the organization.

The purpose is not to look for faults, but to gain a deeper understanding of the business, identify both risks and opportunities, and create a solid foundation for the next phase.

5. Decision, transition, and planning for the next phase

Once the investment has been decided, we begin planning how to move forward in a way that creates stability and reassurance.

Changes in ownership can be sensitive, especially when entrepreneurs have spent many years building something from the ground up. That is why we approach the process with respect, transparency, and clarity.

Business development after the investment — what happens once we become owners?

Board work and strategic direction

We believe in strong and thoughtful board work, where there is both the courage to set clear expectations and the ability to provide support. A board should help management move forward — not create unnecessary administration.

That is why we work with clear agendas, business-focused discussions, and a direction that is understandable throughout the organization.

A business plan that creates momentum

A strong business plan is not just a document sitting on a shelf. It is a tool for prioritization, alignment, and creating progress.

We support our companies in defining goals and initiatives that not only drive results, but also strengthen the organization as a whole.

Operational support when needed

Our subsidiaries have their own management teams and are responsible for their day-to-day operations. At the same time, we are there when specific issues require additional support — whether related to financing, real estate, sustainability, marketing, or organizational matters.

Long-term ownership with a shared direction

We invest in companies with the ambition to help develop them over time — not with a predefined exit already in sight. For us, ownership is about building long-term value with a clear direction forward.

We remain part of the journey for as long as we feel we can contribute and as long as we share the same vision for the future as the people we are building the company together with. That creates a stable foundation where decisions can be made with both care and long-term perspective, without the pressure of a fixed end date.

When we and the entrepreneur are working toward the same goals, something emerges that cannot be rushed — a partnership that lasts over time and gives the company the best possible conditions to continue developing.

Curious about us as investors?

Are you considering selling your company, either fully or partially? Are you facing a transition where a long-term, active owner could make a meaningful difference?

Read more about how Hammarviken invests and what we look for here.

Get in touch — let’s meet for a coffee

We understand that a sales process is both significant and deeply personal. That is why we prefer to start simply — with a conversation, a coffee, and an initial feeling for whether we are the right fit for one another.

Feel free to contact us for an open and informal conversation, and we will gladly tell you more about how we work with investments and business development.

Get in touch with our Investment Manager, Anna Langenius.

Phone: +46 704-01 92 01

Email: anna@hammarviken.com