About private equity
How private equity invests in privately-owned businesses, supports jobs and creates prosperity.
Section Highlights
About us
We represent Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure industry.
Section Highlights
Industry standards
Invest Europe is the guardian of the industry’s professional standards.
Section Highlights
Policy
Working with policymakers to develop legislation that helps drive growth and prosperity.
Section Highlights
Research
The authoritative data source on European private equity activity.
Section Highlights
Events & training
A comprehensive suite of conferences, networking events and training courses.
Section Highlights
News & opinion
Up-to-the-minute policy and industry news, insights and opinions.
Section Highlights
Members
Login to access your exclusive member-only content and account information.
Login
Not a member? Join us
- Operate to the highest level of professional standards
- Access authoritative industry research and data
- Navigate the complex EU regulatory environment
- Network and engage with industry leaders
Over two periods of ownership spanning 12 years in total, Nordic Capital has transformed Swiss pharmaceuticals business Nycomed into a world-class company with a strong market position, product portfolio and R&D pipeline.
Nordic Capital initially acquired Nycomed in 1999, helping to reposition the business into a specialty pharma company with a strong platform in Europe and Russia/CIS. The first holding period ended in December 2002. In its second phase of ownership, from May 2005 to September 2011, Nordic Capital has supported Nycomed in a number of strategically important acquisitions, and transformed the business into a truly global company.
Kristoffer Melinder
Managing Partner
Nordic Capital
of revenues now in emerging markets
valuation at exit
What did the business need?
- International expansion
- Investment in R&D and marketing functions
- Improved focus on core activities
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
- Recruited new CEO, Håkan Björklund, who led the business from 1999 to 2011
- Focus on in-licensing for sourcing of new products
- Greenfield establishment and expansion in new European markets
- Acquisitions of complementary businesses Altana Pharma, Bradley and Guangdong Techpool Bio-Pharma
- Acceleration of emerging markets franchise
- Successful focus on key specialty products in mature and emerging markets
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
- 9.6bn euro valuation on exit in trade sale
- 50% of 2010 revenues generated in emerging markets
- 12,500 employees
- Subsidiaries in 70 markets and products sold in 100 countries
- 15 production facilities in 13 countries
- Largest capital gain achieved for private equity investors globally to date