Permobil
Sector/industry:
Powered wheelchairs
Company description:
Permobil is the global leader in high-end powered wheelchairs. The Permobil brand is associated with superior quality, functionality and durability which have brought the company to a leading market position in all major markets. The market is growing mainly due to an ageing population and increasing lifestyle activity of disabled.

Nordic Capital Fund V acquired Permobil in 2006. The overall strategy is to focus on organic growth capitalizing on the strong product platform combined with a number of operational improvements. Permobil also has a strong position in the U.S. market which has been further strengthened by introducing new products.

During Nordic Capital Fund V’s ownership period the product management function has been strengthened shortening R&D lead times and increasing the precision in product positioning. The component procurement has been shifted to low cost countries reducing cost of sold goods significantly and the European organisation has been restructured with good results. Permobil is now focusing on value-creation through organic growth and tactical add-ons.

Management: Jon Sintorn, CEO
Ewa Holmquist, CFO
Board of Directors: Tom Erixon, Chairman
Per Båtelson
Fredrik Näslund
Anders Uddén
Toni Weitzberg
Håkan Karlsson (employee representative)
Key Information
Revenues 2008: EUR 120 million
Employees: 550
Ownership: Nordic Capital Fund V, controlling shareholding
Date of investment: 2006
Head office: Timrå, Sweden
Web: www.permobil.com