APRIL 09 2021
- This inclusion credits Nordic Capital for its ability to achieve commendable exits in the most challenging of years
Christopher Ekdahl, Principal at Nordic Capital Advisors and a member of its Financial Services team, has been included in Real Deals’ Future 40 Investment Leaders 2021 (in association with Board Equity). This list highlights “the top 40 mid-market private equity investment professionals who achieved commendable exits in 2020”.
Christopher was nominated for his instrumental role in advising on the flotation of Nordic Capital portfolio company Nordnet in November 2020. Nordnet is a leading digital savings platform for investments, savings, pensions and loans operating in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, which was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm in November 2020 with a market capitalisation of approximately SEK 24 billion. The offering was substantially over-subscribed, attracting very strong interest from large Swedish and international institutional investors as well as the general public in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Nordic Capital retained c. 9% of the shares of Nordnet after the listing.
Alongside the founding Öhman family, Nordic Capital took Nordnet private in 2016, with the ambition of creating a best-in-class customer experience in the digital savings industry. During Nordic Capital’s ownership period, the Company made significant investments into customer experience and accelerated product development and, as a result, achieved substantial gains in market share across the Nordic countries and rapid growth. In addition, as part of Nordic Capital’s investment strategy, Nordnet advanced its sustainability agenda to promote sustainable savings and democratise savings and investments in society.
Within four years, Nordnet doubled its customer base, reaching a milestone of one million customers and retaining SEK 477.8 billion in savings capital in 2020. Today, it is the only pan-Nordic platform of scale and is renowned for its broad and innovative product platform.
Christopher served as a Board member of Nordnet from 2016 and was instrumental in advising on the public-to-private in 2016, the value creation plan, and the IPO in 2020, which included a partial exit of Nordic Capital’s shareholding.
Christian Frick, Partner and Head of Financial Services, Nordic Capital Advisors, credited Christopher’s role in the growth story and successful listing of Nordnet: “During Nordic Capital’s holding period, Christopher played a significant role in helping to create one of the Nordic region’s most innovative financial services businesses. He is a valued member of our dedicated financial services team, which has collectively played its part in supporting this exponential value creation story and I commend both Christopher and the wider team for this recognition of their considerable achievements.”
Congratulating its 2021 Investment Leaders, Real Deals said: “In times of crisis, true success becomes even more apparent. While the global pandemic and economic crisis didn’t deter private equity too much, the year was by no means like any other for dealmakers. For this reason, this year’s Future 40 Investment Leaders, in association with Board Equity, highlights dealmakers who were able to navigate and achieve successful exits in the year that was 2020.”
The Real Deals’ Future 40 Investment Leaders are selected by a panel of industry experts. The full list is available at https://realdeals.eu.com/
Media contact:
Nordic Capital
Katarina Janerud, Communications Manager
Advisor to the Nordic Capital Funds
Tel: +46 8 440 50 50
e-mail: katarina.janerud@nordiccapital.com
About Nordic Capital
Nordic Capital is a leading private equity investor with a resolute commitment to creating stronger, sustainable businesses through operational improvement and transformative growth. Nordic Capital focuses on selected regions and sectors where it has deep experience and a long history. Focus sectors are Healthcare, Technology & Payments, Financial Services, and selectively, Industrial & Business Services. Key regions are Europe and globally for Healthcare and Technology & Payments investments. Since inception in 1989, Nordic Capital has invested more than EUR 17 billion in close to 120 investments. The most recent fund is Nordic Capital Fund X with EUR 6.1 billion in committed capital, principally provided by international institutional investors such as pension funds. Nordic Capital Advisors have local offices in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, the UK and the US. For further information about Nordic Capital, please visit www.nordiccapital.com
Footnote: “Nordic Capital” refers to any, or all, Nordic Capital branded funds and vehicles and associated entities. The general partners of Nordic Capital’s funds and vehicles are advised by several non-discretionary sub-advisory entities, any or all of which are referred to as “Nordic Capital Advisors