MBO of Norway’s leading service and technology provider for food production

Skala Gruppen AS (“Skala Group”), a leading provider of production technology and operational support for the Norwegian food industry, have completed a change of ownership where the management team takes 100% control, following an agreement with the previous partners and owners, TINE and Nortura.

The Skala Group’s history spans over 80 years and is recognized for its expertise within Norwegian food production. Through the acquisition, the management commits to intensifying efforts to increase profitability and realize the growth potential. Within three to five years, the plan is to reach a turnover of 500 million NOK, and to deliver an EBITDA result of 30 million NOK.

The Skala Group, with its headquarters in Oslo, is Norway's largest and most diverse professional environment within production technology and operational support to the food industry. With six business areas covering everything from process technology to advanced robotization, the company has proven itself as a key player in the modernization and efficiency improvement of Norwegian food production. The Skala Groups’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has positioned them as a central actor in the industry with an annual turnover of about 400 million NOK and 125 employees.

Over many years as both an owner and a customer of Skalagruppen, it has been essential for us to find an ownership solution that ensures the group's further development - and the customer relationship with TINE and Nortura. We are therefore pleased that key management and board members are taking over the baton through the agreement that has been reached - and wish the team good luck in the future. Jon Lasse Garberg, Strategy Director at TINE and Kristian Håvard Sævik, CFO at Nortura

Tine, with over 160 years of heritage, is Norway’s largest dairy producer and is known for its wide array of over 1,300 dairy products. Operating from 31 dairies across the nation, Tine is deeply involved in the dairy value chain from production to export.

Nortura, owned by 16,000 Norwegian farmers, is a large industry group in Norway with 30 production units across the country. Recognized through their well-known brands Gilde and Prior, Nortura plays a significant role in the Norwegian grocery market.

After a few years as chairman of the board at Skalagruppen, I and other key manageres in the Skala Group see the opportunity that lies in further developing the group, now with increased focus and strength. We have already started this important work, and have a clear strategic plan and ambition. Rune Hardersen, Chairman at Skalagruppen

The overall picture is that business owners increasingly regard M&A as an effective means to create value. Buyers show a willingness to plan beyond the uncertainties and pay attractively for those companies that are well positioned. For sellers, the uncertain market conditions mean that getting the deal execution right is more important than ever. Øyvind Holtedahl, Partner at Oaklins Norway

Oaklins' team in Norway, while engaged by Tine and Nortura, acted as an impartial intermediary, focusing on securing a fair and balanced agreement beneficial for both sides.

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Øyvind Holtedahl Oslo, Norway
Partner
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Edvard Eikeland Oslo, Norway
Director
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Philip Dessingthon Oslo, Norway
Analyst
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