NILS HANSSON – NORDSTJERNAN’S RISING STAR
Nils Hansson is a haulage company with great potential for organic growth. It is therefore being supported by a strong owner which can add capital when the company needs increased resources such as e.g. vehicles, offices, workshops and terminals. In Nordstjernan, Nils Hansson has just such an owner with a long-term perspective as well.

Nordstjernan is a traditional investment company which, ever since its formation in 1890, has been controlled by the Ax:son Johnson family, now the fourth generation, with Viveca and Antonia Ax:son Johnson. During its first 80 years the company was active in a wide range of sectors with the emphasis on shipping, engineering, and the oil and steel industries.
“Today we’re looking at exciting companies whatever the sector, and first of all we assess the prospects for profitability and growth,” says Tomas Billing, Nordstjernan’s MD. “That was why we became interested in Nils Hansson and now own the company one hundred percent.”
Nordstjernan’s biggest company is the construction company NCC with over 20,000 employees and a turnover in 2005 of almost SEK 50 bn. The nine companies in their portfolio also include the technological development company Välinge with only 26 employees.

IMPRESSIVE GROWTH
Under today’s conditions it is necessary first of all to maintain Nils Hansson’s development through new customers and larger orders from existing customers. Recently the company has shown an annual growth of 20 %, and has reported turnover of just under SEK 600 m, which makes Nils Hansson Sweden’s largest independant transport company.
“With the new MD Jörgen Persson in place I see no reason not to think that together we can reach our turnover target of one bn and restore our historical profitability,” comments Tomas Billing.
In his view there may well be acquisitions in the long term, since there are many small firms in the transport sector, the latter appearing to be facing structural change.

BROAD CONTACT BASE
The owner, Nordstjernan, will give Nils Hansson increased weight and open the door for expanded customer contacts and even larger volumes.
As chairman of the NH board, Tomas Billing is deeply involved in the business, and his close contacts with potential customers for Nils Hansson will open up many new avenues.

Tomas Billing, Nordstjernan’s MD, is expecting Nils Hansson to expand.