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€999,99 including VAT
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This article directly stems from the research process for our European single family office database. Our list of Scandinavian family offices includes the most important family investment vehicles that invest in various areas, such as financial markets, real estate, venture capital, private equity and renewables.
Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, son of Godtfred Kirk Christiansen and grandson of Lego founder Ole Kirk Christiansen, was Lego’s CEO from 1979 to 2004. Since 2016, Thomas Kirk Kristiansen has taken over from his father Kjeld as deputy chairman of the company’s board. He and his sister Sofie Kirk Kristiansen split the company’s ownership and inherited Lego’s 75% stake. Both are estimated to be worth $6.5 billion. In this article, we investigate if the Kristiansen family owns a Scandinavian family office.
The Kirk Christiansen family operates through Kirkbi
In 2004, Kjeld had an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion. The family’s fortune has grown through numerous investments made by the family office Kirkbi. The Christiansen family owns 75% of the trademark rights to Lego, with the remaining 25% owned by the Lego Foundation. The family office also has a 47.5% stake in Merlin Entertainment and numerous investments in Falck, ISS and Landis+Gyr. Kirkbi’s investment activities are based on two strategies: Core Capital and Thematic Capital. Core Capital focuses on delivering solid, reliable income through equity, property and fixed income investments. Thematic Capital uses alternative investments with an increased focus on renewable energy and sustainability. A good example of the thematic approach is its major investment in an offshore German wind farm, Borkum Riffgrund I. The deal was valued at €350 million and Kirkbi acquired a 50% stake in the project. The family office has also gained a foothold in the sustainable healthcare market, exemplified by its $40m investment in Icelandic company Kerecis. Kerecis has developed fish-skin dressings to treat people suffering from chronic wounds and burns.
Philanthropy of the Christiansen family
In honor of Lego founder Ole, the Kirk Christiansen family established the Ole Kirk Fond which strives to provide equal opportunities for children across Denmark and also in areas impacted by humanitarian crises. In 2021, the Kirkbi office and the Ole Kirk Fond donated $15.7m to support children affected by the crises occurring in Haiti and Afghanistan.
Picture source: Ryan Wallace
Last Updated on November 6, 2024
