Permobil
Country: Sweden
Region: Västsverige
Investors: Nordic Capital
When Nordic Capital acquired Permobil in 2006, the business was a family-owned specialist wheelchair manufacturer with international ambitions. Nordic Capital’s investment approach was to build upon Permobil’s reputation for innovation.
This included supporting investments in research & development to create new products and improve the company’s supply chain. By 2013, when Nordic Capital sold Permobil, the company’s sales had doubled and the business had become the world’s leading manufacturer of powered wheelchairs.
Jon Sintorn
CEO - Permobil
Permobil has been transformed over the past seven years from a family firm into an international market leader with the support of Nordic Capital.
700
employees, up from 470 over 7 years
>2/3
reduction in delivery times
What did the business need?
Capital for international expansion
Operational expertise to support expansion plans and increase productivity
Finance for new product development
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Improved the supply chain to reduce delivery times
Investments in new factories to increase production capacity
Investments to improve product quality
Boosted R&D capabilities to improve existing products and developed new ones
Adopted best-in-class business and management practices
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Grew employee numbers from 470 to 700 during investment
Reduced product delivery time from more than 30 days to eight days
Increased global market share from 19% to 25%
Increased revenues by 7% annually (2005-2012) and improved profitability
Several industry awards received by Nordic Capital for the investment, including for operational excellence
Investors
