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Agenda
08.30
- 09.00
CEST
Registration
09.00
- 09.10
CEST
09.10
- 09.40
CEST
Keynote interview: An overview of global trends and their impact on the Nordic region
In this high-profile interview, our keynote speakers will address the effect geopolitical forces are having on the region. With the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this February, heightened focus on national security, international cooperation and energy security are dominating the agenda.
With Sweden and Finland fully completing their NATO accession process in 2024, all Nordic countries are clear-eyed about the threats to the region. In addition, Trump’s unconventional approach to international diplomacy is putting pressure on the internal cohesion between the NATO states; the Sino-Russian cooperation has enabled China to expand on its foothold over the region and finally, Europe’s timid response to all this highlights the need for the Nordic block to fully cooperate in this new environment.
09.40
- 10.30
CEST
Nordic M&A trends and drivers for 2025
As we enter 2025, the prediction for M&A in the Nordics is decisively positive, with many commentators talking about the next uptick in the M&A cycle. Overall, Nordic economies have demonstrated resilience in the face of global headwinds in 2024. While some countries outperformed others, the region's commitment to innovation, strong institutions and sound macroeconomic policies provide a solid foundation for economic growth and deal activity. There will be challenges to look out for – high household debt, geopolitical tensions and higher export costs tied to US trade – but the general macro-economic sentiment is much improved. Our panel will endeavour to identify the drivers and trends that will dominate the next 12 months.
Macro-geopolitical drivers in context: What is the impact on Nordic M&A? Recent regional government changes and how are M&A professionals adapting? Trends and challenges
How are private equity firms reacting to more favourable financing conditions and consolidation plays supporting M&A activity in the region?
How are private equity firms effectively diversifying into alternative asset classes and which asset classes are proving most effective in delivering returns for investors?
Managing mature assets through a surge of secondary buyout activity or strategic dealmaking in Europe and US
10.30
- 11.10
CEST
Portfolio management strategies to support deal activity and build resilience
With deal activity having shown significant signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2024 in terms of both value and volume, the overall suggestion is that investors are willing to commit larger sums to high-quality assets. The panel will discuss best strategies for private equity deal-making and successful portfolio management. It will be exploring business transformation challenges; co-investments strategies, and innovative approaches for enhanced returns – and how these factors will stimulate private equity funds' role as enablers and accelerators of change.
Effective diversification strategies for building resilient portfolios across various sectors and asset classes. How do funds adapt their strategies, incorporating and managing alternative investments?
Best value creation portfolio enhancement and monitoring strategies: How can capital structures and financing models be reviewed to improve cash and liquidity management for new and existing funds?
Fundraising, deployment and exit opportunities
Are changing regulatory regimes creating new expectations?
11.10
- 11.40
CEST
Networking coffee
11.40
- 12.20
CEST
Cross-border M&A – Focus on Defence
Traditionally, the Nordics have been appealing for cross-border M&A thanks to the very efficient and transparent regulatory environments, the well-functioning legal systems and the entrepreneurship and innovation across several sectors. Given recent developments, our panel of speakers will focus their attention on the defence industry, which is undergoing a period of rapid transformation in the region, with Sweden uniquely positioned to play a critical role in shaping its future. As a newly inducted member of NATO and a signatory to the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the US, Sweden is prepared to strengthen its defence capabilities through increased collaboration and integration.
Regulatory and compliance requirements. What do overseas bidders need to bear in mind when pursuing M&A in the region, including recent regulatory changes?
How to facilitate join ventures, strategic alignments and technology transfers to partner with international contracts to overcome supply chain bottlenecks?
From structuring deals to exit strategies – How do you strike the right balance between risk and reward in cross-border M&A?
How to best leverage M&A to acquire capabilities to accelerate R&D efforts? AI technology and innovation
12.20
- 12.50
CEST
Enhanced scrutiny in challenging times
What are recent trends and developments in Integrity Due Diligence, and how have geopolitical developments affected investors' views on person-related risks? The panel will discuss how to benefit from this increasing complexity of regulatory compliance; how firms are investing in advanced due diligence tools and technologies to streamline the process (including AI-powered data analytics and digital platforms) and the benefit of safely sharing due diligence information among multiple stakeholders.
Which are the sectors that can expect increased FDI scrutiny – defence, infrastructure, advanced clean energy, AI and technology? and which are the possible mitigating measures prescribed by regulators?
How do you effectively incorporate supply chain due diligence into M&A processes to ensure compliance and mitigating risks?
How are AI advancements and new regulations reshaping deals, supply chain resilience and due diligence practices?
Is innovation driving collaboration between large firms and niche providers for specialised assessments, cost management and value creation?
12.50
- 13.50
CEST
Lunch
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13.50
- 14.20
CEST
Case study: Winning the era of ‘re-industralisation’
The global re-industrialisation will drive major M&A activity as large industrial players continue to acquire new and transformative industrial technology companies to stay competitive. The Nordics have a unique position with its strong centres for innovation and its mature financial ecosystem. However, scaling and ultimately selling green hardware technologies introduce a new level of complexity. Nordic Alpha refers to this complexity as ‘hypertransformation’. Several factors affect the new battlefield, and it requires a new framework if investors are to evaluate risk and exposure in a meaningful way. In this session, Nordic Alpha will unpack the four core complexities shaping the hypertransformation landscape. The firm will also share how its approach delivered outsized results: growing the revenue of Danish greentech company Spirii by 2,400% over 11 quarters before its sale to a CAC40 buyer, and scaling German charging startup Wiferion by 2,600% over 14 quarters ahead of its acquisition by Tesla. The session will introduce:
- The immense financial opportunity that re-industrialisation represents
- The four complexities that transformative industrial ventures are exposed to
- The core parts of the toolkit that Nordic Alpha uses to manage companies in hypergrowth
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14.20
- 15.00
CEST
Creating value through the energy transition
One of the most prominent trends in the Nordic market is the focus on sustainable investments, particularly in renewable energy and green technology, with the global push towards net-zero emissions accelerating investment in sectors like wind and solar power, energy storage, and electric mobility. Our expert speakers will observe how PE firms are capitalising on this trend by investing in both established companies and innovative start-ups that are developing cutting-edge technologies for the energy transition.
Energy cooperation objectives as set by the Nordic energy ministers for 2025-2027: Security of supply, energy transition and innovation
Energy transition cost vs opportunity: Managing and reaching targets for environment, climate, social and governance compliance. How does this impact different sectors?
How can dealmakers capitalise on the momentum and transforming regional cooperation over the green transition into business opportunities on the global market?
Ratings, standardisation, labour laws and the impact of geopolitical trends: How to employ a more discerning approach to asset selection, more control over deals, and even stronger focus on operational excellence?
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15.00
- 15.30
CEST
Networking coffee
15.30
- 16.10
CEST
The financing outlook
What are the challenges being faced by the Nordic finance community in 2025?
More favourable financing conditions and consolidation plays are expected to support M&A activity in the region, including private equity funds that remain active in the Nordic market. For the first three quarters of 2024, five of the top 20 deals were backed by sponsors, and more PE-backed targets are likely to come to market well into 2025. Our expert panel of speakers will help review the current financing landscape and explore the new and innovative alternative financing solutions available.
Which are the key trends and challenges are defining the Nordic financing landscape in 2025? What factors do borrowers need to consider when securing financing?
Managing liquidity: Are secondary buyout activities heating up, given the maturity of assets in portfolios? Are IPOs showing signs of rebound in 2025? Exit strategies, the secondary market, continuation funds and capability investing (especially in AI)
Public financing versus private financing. How do risk profile compare?
The role of direct lenders – How are they collaborating with PE firms and corporates?
Alternative finance, innovation, and venture debt. How can investors strike a balance between traditional and niche and specialty finance?
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16.10
- 16.40
CEST
Industry spotlight – challenges and opportunities in the PMB sectors
Numbers show that the pharma, medical & biotech (PMB) sectors generated just under EUR 13bn worth of deals in H1 2024 in the Nordics, a more than fourfold increase from the same period the year before. This growth is a direct consequence of the strength in R&D and innovation, triggering interest from international buyers and investors in the sector and in the region. The panel will look at the potential for further growth within this and related industries that will contribute to the overall regional growth, as well as identifying which are the other sectors to watch in the year ahead.
Sectorial analysis: How are the pharma, medical and biotech sectors driving investment activity in the region, and which other sectors are particularly affected?
Impact of internationalisation on the sector: How are M&A deals boosting the marketing edge, penetrating new segments of the market, securing cutting-edge technologies and improve R&D?
Exit opportunities within the PMB sector: Which are the risks and the rewards?
A quick overview of the other emerging sectors: Technology, retail and consumer sectors, energy and infrastructure, mobility and digital – which sector will be top of the league in 12 months’ time?
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16.40
- 16.45
CEST
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16.45
- 18.00
CEST
Networking drinks
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Karl Bystedt Wikblom is a Managing Director and Head of Nordic Mergers & Acquisitions at Bank of America. He is based in Stockholm and has over 15 years of experience from M&A and capital markets advisory. Karl holds a Master of Science degree in Business and Economics from Stockholm School of Economics (Civilekonom).
Patric joins the Investment Team as Associate Partner with focus on Nordic region and will be based in Sweden at Arcmont Asset Management. He was previously at Carnegie Investment Bank where he spent the last five years establishing and managing the Debt Advisory business within the Investment Banking unit. Prior to joining Carnegie, Patric spent 10 years at Danske Bank in various roles within Leveraged Finance and more recently as responsible for High Yield Origination in Sweden. Patric holds a Master of Science in Finance from the School of Business, Economics and Law in Gothenburg.
Mikael is a Director at Hg where he is focused on software and technology investments in the Nordic region. He is based in Stockholm. Mikael is also a Board member of Geomatikk AS. Prior to joining Hg in 2020, Mikael was Head of M&A and part of the senior management team at Visma Group for ten years, where he completed approximately 150 software and software-related acquisitions. Prior to this Mikael had an M&A advisory career working approximately 10 years in corporate finance/M&A for Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank and Jones Lang LaSalle. Mikael is a Swedish national and has an MBA from The Wharton School in Philadelphia, PA, and a B.S in Industrial Engineering from Clarkson University.
Johan is a Partner at Polaris Private Equity, a leading Nordic mid-market private equity firm dedicated to the mid-market through three investment strategies: Polaris Private Equity - classic buy-out, Polaris Flexible Capital - junior financing and minority equity, and Polaris Public Equity - collaborative investments in public markets applying the PE toolbox. Johan holds a M.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics from Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to joining Polaris in 2019, Johan has 15 years of private equity experience as Partner with Triton Partners (2015-19), Director with H.IG. Capital Europe (2013-14) and Senior Investment Manager at Ratos AB (2006-13). Johan started his career as a management consultant with Bain & Co in Stockholm (2003-2005).
Prior to joining Triton, Gustaf worked in Private Equity Real Estate at Blackstone in London. He has a degree in Business and Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as well as a degree in Russian from Stockholm University.
Frederikke Beck joined Impilo in 2023. Frederikke holds a M.Sc. in Finance and Accounting from Copenhagen Business School, where she had one exchange semester at National University of Singapore. Prior to joining Impilo, Frederikke spent two years at Polaris, another Nordic based Private Equity fund. Before joining Polaris Frederikke spent 3 years at KIRKBI, the LEGO family office, and one year at the Nordic M&A team of J.P. Morgan in London.
Petter Kjöllerström has over 20 years of experience in legal advice on corporate transactions and private equity investments. He primarily works with private equity firms and industrial players in Sweden and internationally. Petter specializes in structuring and managing incentive programs with complex international components. He assists clients in all phases of corporate acquisitions and venture capital investments. Additionally, Petter leads DLA Piper's Aerospace and Defense initiative in Sweden.
Marta Frąckowiak's practice focuses on corporate law. She has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (including asset transactions), particularly in planning, negotiating, and document drafting. She also advises clients on international corporate reorganisation processes. Marta has advised clients from various sectors in numerous multi-jurisdictional projects, including Hubert Burda Media, Life Healthcare Group, Add Secure, Viessmann, Fiserv, Raytheon, Danaher Corporation, JD Sports Fashion, Ecolab, DS Smith and Discovery. Marta has in-depth knowledge of commercial contract issues and has also advised clients in the course of obtaining state aid for investments and restructuring projects.
Charlotte leads DLA Piper's procurement group in Sweden and is active in the control of foreign direct investment (FDI). Charlotte advises suppliers as well as contracting authorities and entities in public procurement. Charlotte assists clients in all stages of procurement, including strategic issues in tendering, procurement planning, drafting of procurement documents and contract review. She has a background in supervision of public procurement at NOU and the Swedish Competition Authority and as a business lawyer at FMV Legal Staff. Charlotte's experience covers all parts of the procurement law regulations as well as security protection and the defence and security area. Charlotte also has experience of municipal law and legislative work from her work at the Municipal Unit at the Ministry of Finance.
Magnus Wiberg, Co-Founder Pricerunner and eEquity. eEquity invests in Digital Growth Companies and have invested around SEK 5 Billion the last 10 years. eEquity's latest investment was in Snigel, a defense company focusing on Tactical Gear Development with revenues of approx SEK 500 million with great profitability.
Björn Modée is the CEO of Look Closer, Sweden’s leading consultancy within Integrity Due Diligence. With over 15 years of experience in investigative and advisory roles, he supports clients across sectors in assessing senior hires and M&A targets, ensuring alignment with strategic, ethical, and reputational priorities. Prior to his role at Look Closer, Björn held leadership positions in media intelligence and employer branding overseeing international operations in the UK and Scandinavia. His academic background includes an MBA from the Stockholm School of Economics and a Master’s in Engineering Physics from KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Björn has lived and worked in the UK, US, France, and Brazil, bringing a global perspective to Nordic corporate governance and transaction integrity.
Gustav Højmark-Jensen is Head of Platforms at Nordic Alpha Partners, a leading private equity firm focused on greentech growth and industrial transformation. Based in London, Gustav leads the firm’s external partnerships, strategic platforms across Europe. Gustav plays a central role in shaping Nordic Alpha’s investment activities, aligning them with its operational value creation models and platform strategy. He has been instrumental in conceptualising the fund playbook and advancing Nordic Alpha’s position as a thought leader within re-industrialisation and value creation. He spearheaded the recent landmark collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (#3 worldwide), launching an executive education programme on green re-industrialisation, hypergrowth and hypertransformation — the first of its kind in Europe. Prior to joining the firm, Gustav was a senior financial journalist in London, where he reported extensively on private equity, M&A, fundraising, and fund strategy for one of the world’s largest financial data and news providers. He has covered hundreds of transactions across the European mid- and upper-mid-market, building a wide network across the GP, LP and investment banking communities. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism, Media and Globalisation from City St. George’s, University of London and Aarhus University in Denmark.
Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Hannah Perregaard is Head of ESG at Nordic Alpha Partners, a European SFDR Article 9 greentech growth fund with EUR 400m in assets under management. Hannah brings expertise within EU sustainable finance regulation, ESG due diligence, ESG data integration, risk management and climate strategies and supports Nordic Alpha Partners' portfolio companies in maximizing their impact and the value thereof while maintaining momentum. Hannah has previously worked as a Senior ESG Specialist at PFA, one of the largest pension funds in Denmark and a Senior Risk Advisor at the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics and Finance and a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Politics, both from Copenhagen Business School.
Gilles Lafleuriel is the Head of Sweden at Obligo Investment Management, a Nordic investment manager focusing on sustainable infrastructure projects, development companies and operational assets in the Nordics. Prior to Obligo, Gilles was heading the Alternatives portfolio of Nordea Asset Management’s externally managed funds. Gilles also held various positions as engineer, business developer, M&A advisor and investor, mostly in the energy industry, including at the French utility EDF where he started his career in 1999. Gilles holds and MSc from Ecole Centrale Paris and an MBA from INSEAD
Mr. Helander is a Partner in the Ares Credit Group, where he focuses on European direct lending and covers the Northern European markets. Mr. Helander also is a member of the Ares Credit Group's European Direct Lending Investment Committee. Prior to joining Ares in 2008, Mr. Helander was a Director in the Financial Sponsors Leveraged Finance Origination Group at Barclays, where he focused on covering the Nordic and Germanic (DACH) markets. Previously, Mr. Helander was a member of the pan-European Leveraged Finance Group of Mizuho Corporate Bank, the Equity Research Group of CSFB Technology Group and additionally worked at SEB Debt Capital Markets. Mr. Helander holds an undergraduate degree from Uppsala University, Sweden, in Finance and Economics and an M.Sc. from Uppsala University in Business Administration, where he earned a scholarship to study at Illinois State University in the U.S.
Sibel joined Adelis in 2022 where she focuses on Healthcare & Life Sciences investments. Sibel has been a board member at BBI Solutions (UK), Tempus Labs (US) and Mission Bio (US), and is currently on the board of SSI Diagnostica (DK) and IonOpticks (AUS). Prior to joining Adelis, Sibel worked as a Principal at Novo Holdings from 2016 to 2022 where she focused on life science and healthcare investments in Europe and the US. Sibel started her professional career at Bain & Company, where she worked primarily with private equity due diligences and corporate strategy for leading Nordic companies. Education: MSc, Finance & Strategic Management, Copenhagen Business School / CEIBS in Shanghai. BSc. International Business & Politics, Copenhagen Business School.