EQT AB Bundle
Who Owns EQT AB?
EQT AB, a Swedish global investment organization established in 1994, embarked on its public journey in 2019. Headquartered in Stockholm, EQT has grown into one of the world's largest private equity firms, managing substantial assets across various investment classes.
Understanding EQT AB's ownership is key to grasping its strategic direction and governance. The firm's active ownership model, supported by its extensive industrial network, aims to drive growth and sustainability in its portfolio companies.
EQT AB's ownership structure has evolved significantly since its founding. Initially backed by entities like Investor AB and SEB, the company's transition to a publicly listed entity has broadened its shareholder base. As of July 2025, EQT manages approximately €266 billion in total assets under management (AUM), with €141 billion in fee-generating AUM. The company holds a market capitalization of €35.05 billion, positioning it as the 551st most valuable company globally by market cap. EQT is also recognized as the world's second-largest private equity group based on capital raised. A deeper dive into its market position can be found in an EQT AB PESTEL Analysis.
Who Founded EQT AB?
EQT AB's journey began in 1994, a concept born from a 1993 dinner conversation in Stockholm between Conni Jonsson and Claes Dahlbäck. Conni Jonsson is recognized as the founder and initial chairman, with significant backing from Investor AB, the Wallenberg family's investment company, alongside SEB and AEA Investors.
EQT AB was established with a vision for active, value-creating ownership. This principle was embedded from its inception, supported by key initial stakeholders.
Investor AB, the Wallenberg family's investment arm, provided crucial early capital and strategic direction. SEB and AEA Investors also played significant roles in the company's foundational support.
Conni Jonsson received a direct mandate from the board of Investor AB to establish EQT. This highlights the strong trust and backing from the primary early investor.
By 2013, EQT's Partners had increased their ownership stake to 81% of EQT AB. Investor AB retained the remaining 19%, reflecting a partnership model.
The initial ownership structure emphasized the alignment of interests between the firm's leadership and its long-term success. Specific early equity splits are not publicly detailed.
The foundational support from Investor AB, deeply connected to the Wallenberg family's legacy, established EQT as an independent entity. This provided a strong base for its future growth.
The early ownership structure of EQT AB was characterized by a strong partnership between its founders and key institutional investors. Conni Jonsson, as the founder and initial chairman, was instrumental in the company's establishment, a venture significantly supported by Investor AB, the investment vehicle of the influential Wallenberg family. This backing, alongside contributions from SEB and AEA Investors, provided the necessary capital and strategic foundation for EQT. While precise initial shareholding percentages are not publicly disclosed, the relationship with Investor AB was central, with Jonsson receiving a mandate directly from their board to build the firm. This early commitment laid the groundwork for a model where the firm's partners held substantial ownership, fostering alignment with the company's performance. By 2013, this partnership model evolved, with EQT's Partners collectively owning 81% of EQT AB, while Investor AB held the remaining 19%. This structure underscores the founding team's vision for active ownership and the significant role of its initial backers in shaping the company's trajectory, a strategy that has been a core element of its Marketing Strategy of EQT AB.
EQT AB was founded in 1994, with Conni Jonsson recognized as the founder and founding chairman. The company's inception was significantly backed by Investor AB, the Wallenberg family's investment company, along with SEB and AEA Investors.
- Conni Jonsson: Founder and founding chairman.
- Investor AB: Pivotal early backer and strategic supporter.
- SEB: Key financial institution providing foundational support.
- AEA Investors: Contributed to the initial capital and strategic guidance.
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How Has EQT AB’s Ownership Changed Over Time?
EQT AB's ownership trajectory shifted dramatically with its public debut on Nasdaq Stockholm in September 2019. This IPO, a significant event in the European market, established a broad shareholder base and set the stage for future growth, impacting who owns EQT AB.
| Shareholder Type | Percentage (as of April 2025) | Number of Shares (as of April 2025) |
| Private Companies | 10.1% | 118,473,936 |
| Individual Insiders | 12.6% | 148,301,400 |
| Institutions | 15.3% | 180,035,668 |
| General Public | 62% | 730,388,996 |
Following its successful IPO in 2019, EQT AB has experienced substantial growth, with its market capitalization reaching SEK 394.70 billion (approximately €35.05 billion) by July 15, 2025. This represents a significant increase of 360.19% since the listing. The ownership structure is characterized by a strong presence of institutional investors, alongside significant holdings by the Wallenberg family and Investor AB, who collectively owned around 20% of the group as of March 2022. Maximus Elm Investments Holdings Pte. Limited stands out as a major shareholder, holding 9.04% as of April 22, 2025. Other key institutional investors include The Vanguard Group, Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and Baillie Gifford & Co., indicating a diversified and robust EQT AB shareholder base. This evolution reflects a broadening of ownership while maintaining the influence of its foundational investors, enhancing EQT AB's access to capital markets and its governance transparency.
Understanding EQT AB's ownership is crucial for assessing its strategic direction and stability.
- The IPO in 2019 was one of the largest private equity listings of the decade.
- As of July 2025, EQT AB's market cap is SEK 394.70 billion.
- The Wallenberg family and Investor AB are significant stakeholders.
- Maximus Elm Investments Holdings Pte. Limited is a top shareholder with 9.04%.
- Institutional investors collectively hold 15.3% of the company.
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Who Sits on EQT AB’s Board?
The Board of Directors for EQT AB, as of the May 27, 2025 Annual Shareholders' Meeting, is structured to oversee the company's strategic direction and governance. Conni Jonsson, the founder, holds the position of Chairperson. The board includes members re-elected until the 2026 Annual Shareholders' Meeting: Brooks Entwistle, Diony Lebot, Gordon Orr, Margo Cook, Marcus Wallenberg, and Richa Goswami. Jacob Wallenberg Jr. was also proposed for election, pending regulatory approval by October 31, 2025.
| Board Member | Role | Affiliation/Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Conni Jonsson | Chairperson | Founder |
| Brooks Entwistle | Board Member | |
| Diony Lebot | Board Member | |
| Gordon Orr | Board Member | |
| Margo Cook | Board Member | |
| Marcus Wallenberg | Board Member | Investor AB and Wallenberg family |
| Richa Goswami | Board Member | |
| Jacob Wallenberg Jr. | Proposed Board Member | Pending regulatory approval |
EQT AB's voting power is influenced by its core founders and significant investors, with the nomination committee offering insight into this structure. As of August 31, 2024, the nomination committee comprised Jacob Wallenberg (appointed by Investor AB and Chairperson), Cynthia Lee (appointed by Jean Eric Salata), Harry Klagsbrun (appointed by Conni Jonsson), Joachim Spetz (appointed by Swedbank Robur Funds), and Conni Jonsson. This committee collectively represented approximately 29% of the total voting rights, highlighting the substantial influence of key shareholders like Investor AB, Conni Jonsson, and certain institutional funds on the company's decision-making processes. EQT's strategic approach to value creation, influenced by these stakeholders, was a key discussion point at a capital markets event in London on May 22, 2025.
The voting power within EQT AB is concentrated among its key stakeholders. This structure ensures that major investors and founders have a significant say in the company's direction.
- Key shareholders collectively hold approximately 29% of voting rights.
- The nomination committee composition reflects the influence of major EQT AB shareholders.
- Investor AB and the Wallenberg family are represented on the Board, indicating their substantial stake.
- Conni Jonsson, as founder and Chairperson, also plays a pivotal role in governance.
- Understanding Mission, Vision & Core Values of EQT AB provides context for their strategic decisions.
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What Recent Changes Have Shaped EQT AB’s Ownership Landscape?
EQT AB has experienced significant shifts in its ownership structure and operational focus over the last three to five years. These changes reflect strategic growth initiatives, leadership evolution, and substantial capital raising activities, positioning the firm for continued expansion in the global private markets.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CEO Transition | May 27, 2025 | Per Franzén appointed new CEO and Managing Partner, succeeding Christian Sinding. |
| Share Buyback Program | May 2025 | Program finalized, indicating a focus on returning capital. |
| Exit Volumes | H1 2025 | Realized €13 billion, more than triple the previous year's volume. |
| EQT Infrastructure VI Closing | H1 2025 | Fund closed at its €21.5 billion hard cap. |
| EQT XI Fundraising Launch | 2025 | Target fund size of €23 billion. |
| BPEA Private Equity Fund IX Activation | March 2025 | Received commitments exceeding $10 billion by April 2025. |
| DJSI Inclusion | December 2024 | Third consecutive year recognized as part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. |
| OMX Stockholm 30 Index Inclusion | July 1, 2025 | Entry into the index signifies enhanced market position. |
The leadership transition at EQT AB, with Per Franzén taking over as CEO and Managing Partner from Christian Sinding on May 27, 2025, marks a pivotal moment. Sinding's tenure saw the company's market capitalization grow from approximately EUR 7 billion post-IPO in 2019 to around EUR 40 billion. Sinding will remain involved as an Institutional Partner and Chair of the EQT Council, alongside Conni Jonsson and Marcus Wallenberg, ensuring a blend of continuity and new leadership. This period has also been characterized by robust financial activities, including the finalization of a share buyback program in May 2025 and a significant increase in exit volumes, with €13 billion realized in the first half of 2025, more than tripling the prior year's figures. These actions underscore a strategic emphasis on client liquidity distribution amidst market fluctuations.
EQT has demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities, with EQT Infrastructure VI closing at its €21.5 billion hard cap in the first half of 2025. The firm also initiated fundraising for EQT XI, targeting €23 billion, and activated BPEA Private Equity Fund IX, which secured over $10 billion in commitments by April 2025.
EQT's scale and global presence have enabled it to capture market share, supported by strong client relationships and a consistent performance record. The firm’s inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the third consecutive year (December 2024) and its upcoming inclusion in the OMX Stockholm 30 Index (July 1, 2025) highlight its leading industry standing and increasing visibility.
Public statements and reports, such as the Half-year Report 2025, indicate EQT's strategic direction. This includes the development of new investment strategies, expansion of distribution channels, and enhanced brand building efforts, all aimed at fostering long-term growth and solidifying its position as a key player in private markets. For a deeper understanding of the company's journey, refer to the Brief History of EQT AB.
The broader industry trend shows a rise in institutional ownership and consolidation within the private equity sector. EQT AB is well-positioned to benefit from these dynamics, leveraging its established platform and client trust to maintain its competitive edge and attract further investment.
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