The timber harvesting industry in Europe plays a crucial role in sustainable forestry and construction. Companies of various sizes operate within this sector, ranging from family-owned sawmills to large corporations that produce timber products for building and manufacturing. As environmental considerations grow in importance, many firms are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, focusing on managing forest resources responsibly. This industry not only supplies essential materials for the construction sector but also contributes to carbon sequestration and wildlife habitats. With increasing demand for sustainable building practices, the future of timber harvesting looks promising, signaling a shift towards greener solutions.


Among the top timber harvesting investors in Europe, a mix of corporate, venture capital, and private equity firms dominate the landscape. These investors hail from various countries, including France, Sweden, and the UK, showcasing the industry's multinational reach. Operating in a wide range of sizes, from small firms with fewer than 50 employees to large corporations employing over 10,000, investment activity varies significantly. In 2024, these investors collaborated on an impressive number of deals, bringing substantial financial support to the timber sector. Their earlier years of establishment, stretching as far back as the 17th century, reflect enduring interests and commitment to the industry.


Top 12 Timber Harvesting Investors in Europe


1. 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, aiming to enhance their growth and competitiveness through tailored financial solutions. Among its notable transactions, Almi has invested in Nordic Forestry Automation, which raised $979,591 in a Series A funding round in July 2023, indicating a direct involvement in the timber harvesting sector. Additionally, Almi has previously invested in Södra, a significant player in the forestry industry, further demonstrating its engagement with companies operating in this field. While Almi's primary focus is on supporting SMEs across various sectors, its investments in forestry-related companies highlight its relevance to the timber harvesting industry.


2. Saint-Gobain

  • Website: saint-gobain.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1665
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 14
  • LinkedIn: saint-gobain

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. is a construction materials manufacturer that provides innovative solutions for the construction and industrial sectors. Founded in 1665 and headquartered in Courbevoie, Île-De-France, France, the company operates in 76 countries and focuses on sustainability and performance. Saint-Gobain's product offerings enhance building efficiency and reduce environmental impact, catering to construction firms, industrial manufacturers, and consumers. Notably, Saint-Gobain has made strategic acquisitions in the timber sector, including the acquisition of Scotframe, a timber-frame kit home specialist, in 2017, which aimed to enhance its presence in offsite manufacturing and closed panel construction. Additionally, in 2020, it acquired a majority stake in Brüggemann Holzbau Group, further solidifying its commitment to the timber industry. These transactions highlight Saint-Gobain's active role in the timber harvesting and construction market, aligning with its broader business objectives.


3. Mercia Asset Management PLC

  • Website: mercia.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Henley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: mercia-asset-management

Mercia Asset Management PLC is an investment management firm based in Henley-In-Arden, England, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and debt financing to support the growth of UK businesses. Founded in 1982, Mercia focuses on ambitious startups and established companies, particularly in technology and innovation sectors. Notably, they have been involved in transactions such as providing funding to VerdEnergy, a wood fuel company, which received £200,000 to expand its operations, including the purchase of specialized delivery trucks and the establishment of a new supply depot. This investment highlights Mercia's engagement in the timber harvesting context, as wood fuel is directly related to timber resources. Additionally, they manage funds like NPIF – Mercia Debt Finance, which further supports their investment activities across various sectors, including those related to timber.


4. Grafton Group plc


Grafton Group plc is a corporate investor based in Dublin, Ireland, founded in 1909. The company operates as a builders merchants, providing a wide range of building materials, including timber products, mortar, and DIY supplies. Grafton Group serves contractors, builders, and retail consumers across the UK and Ireland, emphasizing quality and responsible sourcing. Notably, Grafton Group has made strategic acquisitions that highlight its involvement in the timber sector, such as the acquisition of L & G Forest Products Ltd. in 2007, which directly ties the company to timber harvesting. Additionally, their acquisition of StairBox in 2020, a manufacturer of bespoke wooden staircases, further underscores their commitment to timber-related products. These transactions illustrate Grafton Group's active role in the timber industry, complementing its broader focus on building materials.


5. Accent Equity


Accent Equity is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in investments in private Nordic companies, focusing on enhancing the value of its portfolio through strategic management and investment to create sustainable growth and superior returns. Among its notable transactions, Accent Equity acquired Lunawood in December 2019, a leader in thermally modified timber, which has seen significant revenue growth. This acquisition highlights Accent Equity's commitment to the timber sector, alongside other investments such as Eco Log Sweden, which also relates to timber harvesting. Their diverse portfolio across multiple sectors, combined with specific investments in timber-related companies, showcases their expertise in investment management and their potential impact on the timber harvesting industry.


6. Lords Group Trading


Lords Group Trading plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, specializing in the distribution of building materials, particularly plumbing, heating, and DIY goods. Founded in 1985, the company serves local tradesmen, hardware stores, and construction companies across the UK. In 2023, Lords Group Trading made a significant move into the timber sector by acquiring Chiltern Timber Supplies Ltd for up to GBP1.7 million, which is expected to enhance their product range and geographic coverage. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to expand their market presence and diversify their offerings. Additionally, their previous acquisitions, such as AW Lumb and the Malton Road branch of Nu-Line Builders Merchants, further demonstrate their commitment to growing their business in the building materials market, which now includes timber supplies.


7. Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)

  • Website: icgam.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: intermediate-capital-group

Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) is a private equity and asset management firm based in London, England, founded in 1989. The firm specializes in providing capital solutions to businesses and managing investments for institutional clients, with a focus on sustainable growth and responsible investing. ICG has a global presence and operates across various sectors, including credit and real assets. Notably, ICG has made significant investments in the timber sector, including an acquisition of a stake in Grupo Garnica Plywood, a Spanish plywood board maker, which highlights their engagement in the timber industry. Additionally, ICG has been involved in debt financing for Groupe Charlois, further demonstrating their activity in sectors related to timber and wood products.


8. Stora Enso

  • Website: storaenso.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: stora-enso

Stora Enso Oyj, founded in 1998 and based in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland, is a prominent corporate investor in the forest industry, specializing in renewable materials and products. The company offers a diverse range of solutions, including packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, catering to various sectors such as food, consumer goods, and construction. Stora Enso is committed to sustainability and innovation, aiding its customers in transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives. Recently, Stora Enso made a significant move by acquiring the Junnikkala sawmill company for EUR 137 million, which enhances its capabilities in timber harvesting and processing. Additionally, they participated in a funding round for the biotech company Arevo AB, although this transaction is less directly related to timber harvesting. Overall, Stora Enso's activities and recent acquisitions underscore its integral role in the timber industry.


9. Endless LLP

  • Website: endlessllp.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Leeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: endless-llp

Endless LLP is a private equity firm based in Leeds, England, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investment management and consulting services, focusing on providing tailored investment solutions to businesses in complex situations. Endless LLP has a strong emphasis on partnership with leadership teams to drive growth and transformation, particularly in sectors like Food & Beverage and Industrials. Notably, they have made significant investments in the timber industry, including the acquisition of BSW Group, the UK's largest integrated forestry and sawmilling business, which generates an annual revenue of £350 million. This acquisition, announced on February 19, 2020, aims to support BSW's growth plans. Additionally, Endless LLP acquired Amdega, a timber-frame conservatory specialist, in 2010, marking their commitment to the timber sector and providing necessary working capital to enhance Amdega's operations. These transactions highlight Endless LLP's active role in the timber harvesting industry.


10. Kronospan

  • Website: kronospan.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Vaduz, Vaduz, Liechtenstein
  • Founded year: 1897
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: kronospan

Kronospan is a corporate investor based in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, specializing in the manufacturing of wood-based panels and decorative interior products. Founded in 1897, the company serves various sectors, including furniture, construction, and interior design, by providing high-quality materials for diverse applications. In 2023, Kronospan expanded its operations in North America by acquiring the Simsboro, Louisiana particleboard facility from Roseburg Forest Products, marking a significant investment in timber processing. Additionally, they are revising their acquisition deal for Pfleiderer to secure EU approval, further indicating their active role in the wood manufacturing industry. Their commitment to sustainable production and innovative solutions in wood manufacturing underscores their relevance in the timber harvesting context.


11. Homag

  • Website: homag.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1960
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: homag

HOMAG is a corporate investor based in Schopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, specializing in woodworking machinery and software solutions. Founded in 1960, the company provides integrated production solutions for businesses in the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sectors. In recent years, Homag has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the timber processing industry. Notably, in 2021, they acquired a majority interest in Kallesoe Machinery A/S, a Danish manufacturer of high-frequency presses for cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is crucial for modern timber construction. Additionally, in 2020, they acquired 80% of System TM A/S, a supplier of optimization and systems solutions for the timber processing industry. These strategic moves reflect Homag's commitment to enhancing production efficiency and quality in the timber sector, making them a relevant player in the timber harvesting investment landscape.


12. Novastar Ventures

  • Website: novastarventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: novastar-ventures

Novastar Ventures Limited is an investment management firm based in London, England, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in Africa by providing venture capital funding and strategic guidance across various sectors, including healthcare and transportation. Notably, Novastar Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the timber harvesting context, particularly with Komaza, a sustainable forestry company based in Kenya. They participated in Komaza's Series A funding in 2017, followed by a Series B round in 2020, where they co-led a $28 million investment to help the company expand its operations and invest in wood manufacturing facilities. This involvement highlights Novastar's commitment to creating lasting value for communities and the environment through sustainable forestry practices.



Timber Harvesting Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
AlmiStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden201-50019947
Saint-GobainCourbevoie, Île-De-France, France10001+166514
Mercia Asset Management PLCHenley-In-Arden, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198241
Grafton Group plcDublin, Dublin, Ireland10001+19091
Accent EquityStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden11-5019944
Lords Group TradingLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-100019851
Intermediate Capital Group (ICG)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)501-1000198912
Stora EnsoHelsinki, Uusimaa, Finland10001+19982
Endless LLPLeeds, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020052
KronospanVaduz, Vaduz, Liechtenstein10001+18973
HomagSchopfloch, Baden-Württemberg, Germany5001-1000019600
Novastar VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020141


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