Top 12 Investors in Nordic Activewear Brands
Top 12 Investors in Nordic Activewear Brands
The activewear brands industry in the Nordics continues to surge as consumers prioritize health, fitness, and sustainability. Companies range from well-established brands to dynamic startups, offering everything from high-performance sports gear to fashionable athleisure wear. Notable segments include outdoor apparel suited for extreme weather and technologically enhanced clothing that aids performance. As the wellness trend grows, many brands are leaning into eco-friendly practices and innovative materials. This proactive approach is set to reshape the market, catering to conscious consumers while pushing for advancements that integrate style and function seamlessly into active lifestyles.
This article highlights 12 key investors shaping the activewear sector in the Nordics. Predominantly private equity and venture capital firms, these investors are headquartered in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. They range from smaller companies with 10-50 employees to large organizations with over 10,000. Founded between the early 1980s and 2010s, they reported varying deal counts in 2024, signifying their ongoing commitment to this flourishing market. Investors like Verdane and EQT Group are leading the charge with multiple investments that enhance the market.
Top 12 Activewear Brands Investors in the Nordics
1. Altor Equity Partners
- Website: altor.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2003
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 6
- LinkedIn: altor
Altor Equity Partners is a private equity investment management firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in providing consulting services across various sectors, including technology and consumer products, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainable growth for its partners. Altor has been actively involved in the activewear and sports industry, with notable transactions such as the acquisition of Rossignol, a prominent brand in outdoor sports apparel, and their investment in Revolution Race, which specializes in outdoor clothing. Additionally, their recent acquisition of CCM Hockey, a leading hockey equipment manufacturer, highlights their strategic interest in the sports sector, particularly in enhancing marketing and product development for activewear aimed at specific demographics. These transactions reflect Altor's commitment to investing in brands that resonate with active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts.
2. Verdane
- Website: verdane.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: verdane-capital
Verdane is a private equity investment firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1985. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, primarily focusing on technology-enabled companies. Verdane provides capital and hands-on support to help businesses scale, with a keen interest in digitalization and decarbonization trends. Notably, Verdane has been involved in several transactions relevant to the activewear and sports sectors, including the acquisition of Silva, a provider of niche outdoor sports equipment, and MM Sports, which indicates their engagement in the activewear market. Additionally, their investment in Urban Sports Club, a company that promotes fitness and sports activities, further highlights their relevance in this space.
3. Amer Sports
- Website: amersports.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1950
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: amer-sports
Amer Sports, Inc. is a prominent sporting goods manufacturer and retailer based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1950. The company specializes in a diverse range of products, including sporting equipment, footwear, and apparel, through its well-known brands like Salomon and Wilson. Amer Sports has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the activewear market, including the acquisition of Salomon from adidas in 2005, which is a leading brand in outdoor sports. In 2018, Amer Sports acquired the Swedish sportswear brand Peak Performance for 255 million euros, further enhancing its portfolio in the softgoods segment. Additionally, the acquisition of Armada Skis in 2017 and Louisville Slugger in 2015 demonstrates Amer Sports' commitment to expanding its brand offerings in the sports and activewear sectors. The company serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts globally, providing high-quality gear designed to enhance performance and enjoyment in various sports.
4. Almi
- Website: almi.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 7
- LinkedIn: almi-ab
Almi AB is a financial services company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. It specializes in providing loans, risk capital, and business development support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Almi aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of these businesses through tailored financial solutions and guidance. Notably, Almi has been involved in several transactions relevant to the activewear sector, including investments in Racefox, a company that raised $698,727 in a seed round in 2016, focusing on sports technology, and Skigo AB, which raised an undisclosed amount in 2014 and is known for its ski-related products. These transactions highlight Almi's engagement with companies that operate within the activewear and sports industry, showcasing their potential relevance as an investor in this space.
5. Butterfly Ventures
- Website: butterfly.vc
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 5
- LinkedIn: butterfly-ventures
Butterfly Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in seed stage investments, particularly in deep tech startups, and emphasizes social and environmental impact. Butterfly Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies to provide capital and strategic support, helping them navigate growth and market entry challenges. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Fasciawear, a company focused on innovative activewear solutions, Sports Tracking Technologies, which develops technology for sports performance tracking, and Fjuul, a platform that promotes active lifestyles. These investments highlight Butterfly Ventures' involvement in the activewear sector, showcasing their interest in companies that enhance athletic performance and well-being.
6. EQT Group
- Website: eqtgroup.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 1994
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 30
- LinkedIn: eqt-partners
EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Among their notable transactions, EQT acquired a majority stake in XXL Sport & Villmark, a leading sports retail chain in the Nordic region, aiming to expand its presence in Norway and Sweden. Additionally, EQT's investment in Lundhags skomakarna, a company known for outdoor footwear, further emphasizes their focus on the activewear market. In the realm of fitness, EQT led a significant funding round for Gympass, a platform that connects users with fitness facilities, highlighting their engagement in the wellness and active lifestyle sectors. These transactions illustrate EQT Group's strategic interest in the activewear and sports retail industries.
7. eEquity
- Website: eequity.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 11-50
- LinkedIn: eequity
eEquity is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in growth equity, focusing on digitally enabled business models primarily in the Nordics. eEquity partners with entrepreneurs in the technology and retail sectors, providing capital and strategic support to help them scale their businesses into regional and global leaders. Notably, eEquity has invested in Aim'n, which raised $6.6 million in a venture round in March 2020, indicating their engagement in the activewear market. Additionally, they have invested in KidsBrandStore, a fashion e-commerce operation for kids, and Swap.com, a platform for second-hand goods, showcasing their broader interest in retail and e-commerce sectors.
8. New Wave Group
- Website: nwg.se
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden
- Founded year: 1990
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: new-wave-group
New Wave Group AB is a corporate investor based in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 1990. The company specializes in creating, acquiring, and developing brands and products across various sectors, including corporate, sports, gifts, and home. Notably, New Wave Group has made significant strides in the activewear market, particularly through their acquisition of Craft North America in 2013, which expanded their footprint in the activewear segment. This acquisition reflects their strategy to enhance their offerings in high-quality apparel, particularly for sports and active lifestyles. Additionally, their acquisition of Dahetra A/S in 2005, while primarily focused on the low-price textile segment, further demonstrates their capability and interest in the apparel industry, which can encompass activewear products.
9. Adelis Equity Partners
- Website: adelisequity.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 3
- LinkedIn: adelis-equity-partners
Adelis Equity Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2012, based in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm specializes in growing businesses within the Nordic region, providing investment management and strategic consulting services across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services. Notably, Adelis has made significant strides in the activewear industry, particularly through their acquisition of Intersport Sweden, where they acquired a 70% stake in 2015. This acquisition highlights their commitment to the activewear market, as Intersport is a prominent retailer of sportswear and sports equipment. Their strategic investments aim to achieve substantial growth for the companies they partner with, leveraging their expertise to enhance performance in the activewear sector.
10. CapMan
- Website: capman.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 4
- LinkedIn: capman
CapMan Oyj is a private equity investment management firm based in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in a variety of investment strategies, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and natural capital investments. CapMan serves institutional investors by providing access to diverse investment opportunities aimed at achieving sustainable returns. Notably, CapMan has made significant strides in the activewear sector, particularly with its acquisition of MMSports, a Swedish company focused on sports nutrition and equipment. This acquisition, announced on July 2, 2021, reflects CapMan's strategy to support growth and international expansion in the activewear market. Additionally, CapMan was involved in a previous investment with Top League, although details on that transaction are less clear. Overall, CapMan's activities in the activewear space, particularly through MMSports, highlight its relevance in this industry.
11. Essity
- Website: essity.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2017
- Headcount: 10001+
- LinkedIn: 8d7ff417-657c-4d3a-a3f6-5404c1b88a0e
Essity AB is a hygiene and health company based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2017. The company develops, supplies, and sells a wide range of products, including tissue paper, baby diapers, and wound care solutions, with a strong focus on improving hygiene and health outcomes. Essity operates with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. In recent years, they have made strategic acquisitions in the activewear sector, notably acquiring Knix Wear for approximately $314 million in July 2022, and Modibodi, an Australian company known for its leak-proof underwear, for $140 million. These transactions highlight Essity's interest in expanding into the activewear market, particularly in innovative apparel that addresses specific consumer needs, such as leak-proof solutions, which are gaining traction in the activewear segment.
12. Creades AB
- Website: creades.se
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Founded year: 2012
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: creades-ab
Creades AB is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm founded in 2012, focusing on long-term value creation through strategic investments in both listed and unlisted companies. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs and business leaders to enhance business operations and growth potential across various industries, including technology and retail. Notably, Creades AB acquired Rohnisch Sportswear on July 11, 2016, which is a significant player in the activewear market. This transaction highlights their engagement in the activewear sector, showcasing their commitment to investing in brands that align with current consumer trends in fitness and lifestyle.
Activewear Brands Insights: Key Investors in the Nordics
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Altor Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 51-200 | 2003 | 6 |
Verdane | Oslo, Oslo, Norway | 51-200 | 1985 | 7 |
Amer Sports | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 10001+ | 1950 | 0 |
Almi | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 201-500 | 1994 | 7 |
Butterfly Ventures | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 1-10 | 2012 | 5 |
EQT Group | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1994 | 30 |
eEquity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2010 | 0 |
New Wave Group | Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, Sweden | 1001-5000 | 1990 | 0 |
Adelis Equity Partners | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 11-50 | 2012 | 3 |
CapMan | Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland | 51-200 | 1989 | 4 |
Essity | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 10001+ | 2017 | 0 |
Creades AB | Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden | 1-10 | 2012 | 1 |
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