The Bagger-Sørensen family office, operating as Bagger-Sørensen & Co. A/S, represents a century-long legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation. Originally founded as a confectionery business in 1915, the company evolved into a global leader in chewing gum production before transitioning to a diversified investment focus. Today, it is managed by the fourth generation of the family, Steen and Claus Bagger-Sørensen. The Velje-based Danish family office belongs to the top Danish single family offices and the top single family offices in Europe.
Rooted in a chewing gum factory
The company was established in 1915 as Vejle Caramel og Tablet Fabrik (the Vejle Caramel and Tablet Factory). By 1927, chewing gum production had begun, and during the 1950s, exports from the company’s headquarters in Vejle, Denmark, gained international success. Brands such as DANDY, STIMOROL, and V6 became household names.
Over the following decades, the business expanded its operations, including establishing new factories in Denmark and abroad. Notably, a new facility was built at Dandyvej in 1972, and in 1978, the company acquired Fertin AB in Sweden and opened a factory in Zimbabwe.
Global Growth and Diversification
During the late 20th century, the company solidified its global presence. Functional gum, such as the popular STIMOROL, was introduced in 1956, and by the 1990s, the business operated internationally with significant manufacturing capabilities, including in Russia. In 1991, the Dirol factory was inaugurated in Russia.
In 2002, the DANDY brands, international sales organization, and the factory in Russia were sold to Cadbury. The company was subsequently renamed Gumlink A/S, focusing on private-label and B2B chewing gum production.
In 2017, Fertin Pharma A/S was sold to EQT Mid Market, with Bagger-Sørensen & Co. retaining a 30% stake. This marked the beginning of a shift towards investments. In 2021, both EQT and the family divested Fertin Pharma to Philip Morris, exiting the gum business entirely.
Investment focus on real estate and venture capital
The family office now operates with a diversified investment profile. Through BS Real Estate and Vecata Invest, the family invests in life sciences, IT, and technology ventures. In 2020, Bagger-Sørensen Equity A/S was established to target small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with growth potential.
Despite exiting the gum business, the Bagger-Sørensen family continues to build on the entrepreneurial values that defined the company for over a century. With a focus on future technologies, food, healthcare, and research, the family office aims to sustain its legacy while exploring new opportunities.
Last Updated on November 15, 2024
