Callenberg Group
Country: Sweden
Region: Västsverige
Investors: Segulah
Segulah acquired Callenberg in May 2001. In co-operation with management and industrial advisers, a growth strategy was developed, resulting in three significant add-on acquisitions completed in 2003-05.
As the result of a successful integration of these acquisitions, Callenberg was transformed into a global engineering firm with around 500 employees across seven locations in Europe, the USand Asia.
In 2007, Callenberg was acquired by Wilhelmsen Maritime Services, a $1bn service business and part of the Norwegian shipping group Wilhelmsen.
Lars Marcusson
CEO - Callenberg Group
The board, working in tandem with Segulah’s committed people and network of advisors, contributed greatly to the development of the company.
4x
increase in the number of employees
4x
increase in turnover during investment period
What did the business need?
Need for a new owner with a keen interest in developing Callenberg as a stand-alone business
Need for a comprehensive growth strategy, backed by sufficient financial means and support by an experienced team of industrial advisers
Focus on marine and offshore – an industry with specific demands and characteristics
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Strengthening and professionalisation of the board of directors and the management team
Systematic approach to growth based on add-on acquisitions
Careful integration planning
Well defined, communicated and shared objectives
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
During Segulah’s ownership, Callenberg grew from 25m euro turnover in 2001 to 100m euro in 2007
Improved operating margins
The number of employees in the group increased fourfold
One of Sweden’s few remaining marine engineering firms became a global firm
Investors
