Investor AB

Infobox Company
company_name = Investor AB
company_
company_type = Public (OMX|SSE161|INVE B)
foundation = 1916
location = Stockholm, Sweden
key_people = Jacob Wallenberg (Chairman of the board), Börje Ekholm (President and CEO)
industry = Industrial holding company
products = Core, private equity, operating and financial investments
assets = SEK 158,787 million (2007)cite web |url=http://ir.investorab.com/files/press/investor/AR2007ENGfinal.pdf |title=Annual Report 2007 |accessdate=2008-04-14 |publisher=Investor]
num_employees= 148 (wholly owned investment operations) (2007)
homepage = [http://www.investorab.com/ www.investorab.com]
intl = yes

Investor AB is a Swedish investment company, founded in 1916 and still controlled by the Wallenberg family. The company owns a controlling stake in several large Swedish companies with smaller positions in a number of other firms. In 2006 it had a market value of 119 billion kronor (€13 billion). ($16 billion). Currently Investor has a strong financial position and is almost debt free.

Quick facts

December 31 2004
*Listed holdings market value: SEK 88,907 million (core + new from AR 2004, 87,645 + 1,262)
*Unlisted holdings value: SEK 16,622 million ("new investments, unlisted" + "other" (presumably unlisted equity), 9,568 + 7,054)
October 15 2006
*The company stock trades at a 25% discount to the total value of its assets. One possible theory to explain this is the companies practice of issuing dual-class shares to the Wallenberg family, who own just 22% of the company but control 46% through multiple-vote shares.
*16% of Investors net value is made up of unlisted (private-equity) investments. These include part-ownership of EQT and Investor Capital Partners, a Hong Kong based subsidiary.

History

In 1916, new legislation made it more difficult for banks to own stocks in industrial companies on a long-term basis. Investor was formed as an investment part of Stockholms Enskilda Bank, at the time the largest instrument of power in the Wallenberg family.

Investments

*ABB - power and automation technology (7.5% Stake, 7.5% Voting rights)
*Atlas Copco - industrial tooling and equipment (15% Stake, 21% Voting rights)
*Astra Zeneca - pharmaceuticals (2.5% Stake, 2.5% Voting rights)
*Electrolux - consumer appliances (11% Stake, 28% Voting rights)
*Ericsson - telecommunications (4% Stake, 19% Voting rights)
*Gambro - medical technology (Probably 100% stake)
*Husqvarna - Auto, chainsaw and sewing machine manufacturer (10% Stake, 29% voting rights)
*IBX - provider of efficient purchasing solutions and services
*OMX - Nordic securities exchange (11% Stake, 11% Voting rights)
*Saab - aviation and military technology (20% Stake, 37.5% Voting rights)
*SEB - banking (18% Stake, 18.5% Voting rights)
*WM-data - IT services (Sold in August, 2006)

*Bredbandsbolaget (BBB) a broadband and telecoms provider. This was initially in difficulty but was sold 2005 to Telenor for a profit.
*3 Scandinavia (3rd Generation Mobile phone services) A joint venture with Hutchinson Whampoa. By 2008 the Wallenbergs will have invested SKr8bn-10bn for their 40% stake.
*Investor Growth Capital ( which finances start-up companies in health care and technology in the US.
*Novare - A recruitment firm.
*Grand Hotel Stockholm.

ee also

Other investment companies

*Berkshire Hathaway
*Investment AB Kinnevik

Former holdings

*Saab Automobile - acquired by General Motors
*Scania - sold part of its stake to Volkswagen AG in 2000, selling the remainder to the German car-maker in March 2008. [http://www.scania.com/ir/vw_increases_holding.asp]
*WM-Data

References

External links

Company websites

* [http://www.investorab.com/ Investor AB] - Official website

Data

* [http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/90/90885.html Yahoo! - Investor AB Company Profile]