The Carl Bennet family office revolves around Carl Bennet AB, the outcome of the strategic vision and entrepreneurial effort from Swedish industrialist Carl Bennet, who was born in 1951 in Helsingborg. Throughout his career, he has built a wide business portfolio in logistics, medical technology, and industrial investments through decades of calculated growth and acquisitions. The Göteborg-based family office is part of our list of single family offices in Sweden and our family office list Europe.
Early Career Foundations
Carl Bennet launched his career right after graduation with an MBA from the University of Gothenburg in 1976. He worked at Kockums and then for Electrolux, where he managed its Alingsås subsidiary from 1982 until 1988. During this period, he also acquired early shares in Trelleborg AB, of which his business partner Rune Andersson was appointed chief executive. These early shareholdings formed the foundation of Mr. Bennet’s entrepreneurial career.
The Acquisition of Getinge and Formation of Carl Bennet AB
In 1989, Carl Bennet and Rune Andersson acquired Getinge AB from Electrolux for 320 MSEK. That same year, Bennet established Carl Bennet AB as a holding company. Following the acquisition, Bennet took over as CEO of Getinge, while Andersson served as chairman. Within six months, Getinge achieved profitability, demonstrating the effectiveness of their turnaround strategy.
Expansion of the Bennet family office through acquisitions
Bennet’s business strategy centered on growth through acquisitions and diversification:
- 1993: Getinge was listed on the stock exchange, providing access to capital for further expansion.
- 1995: Getinge acquired Arjo, a move aimed at strengthening its position in the medical technology sector. It also acquired LIC Care AB, later rebranded as Lifco, which marked Bennet’s entry into dental and industrial product markets.
- 1997: Carl Bennet AB became the sole majority owner of Getinge by acquiring Andersson’s shares. The same year, the company acquired Elanders AB, which expanded significantly to become the largest graphic group in the Nordic region through a series of acquisitions.
Lifco and Diversification
Lifco evolved from a division within Getinge to an independent entity under Carl Bennet AB:
- 1998: Lifco was spun off to Getinge’s shareholders, and Carl Bennet AB became its majority owner.
- 2000: Carl Bennet AB privatized Lifco, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
- 2006: Lifco acquired Sorb Industri AB, marking the start of a new phase of business expansion.
Picture source: Planet Volumes
Last Updated on November 15, 2024
