EQT has an enduring commitment to responsible investment and has since inception had a multi-stakeholder approach, with the original concept from EQT’s founding in 1994 of being “more than capital”. This concept still embodies the fundamental mindset that defines EQT and our active ownership approach. With an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for future-proofing companies, EQT continues to further incorporate the long-term ownership philosophy of the Swedish Wallenberg family.

Today, EQT is a differentiated global investment organization with a 25-year history of responsibly investing in, owning and developing companies. With a Nordic heritage and a global mindset combined with well-grounded values and a deeply rooted culture, EQT funds have a track record of consistent and attractive returns across geographies, sectors and strategies. We do this by making a real difference: over the years, EQT has on average grown portfolio company revenues per year by 17 percent, EBITDA by 18 percent and number of employees by 7 percent, over the last five years.

Going forward, we will develop EQT with greater diversity in mind and consciously transition portfolio companies to use renewable energy, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EQT is also committed to publish key ESG data and link incentive schemes to sustainability objectives.

As EQT has grown, our philosophy has been further ingrained into the EQT way of doing business. By taking an active role and working closely with management and the boards, EQT supports portfolio companies with hands-on governance and expertise, leveraged from both within the EQT platform and the global network of EQT Advisors. Providing both capital and competence constitutes the essence of EQT’s active ownership approach and is difficult to replicate. It allows us not only to invest, but also to be part of the solution and make a positive impact that prevails during and after EQT funds’ ownership period, all while creating attractive returns for EQT funds’ investors.

Shouldering the role as an active owner is not done overnight. It requires trust from multiple stakeholders and such trust is earned over time. At EQT, we have always been dependent on our license to operate to continue carrying out our mission. This has meant a continuous quest to gain and preserve confidence from a broad set of stakeholders such as portfolio companies’ employees, fund investors, unions, the media, politicians – and since the public listing, also EQT AB’s shareholders.

Finally, we have decided to align all investment decisions in support of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as ownership actions to support the development of the portfolio companies in this direction - taking an active part in the world’s “Full Potential Plan”. Accordingly, EQT is committed to future-proofing companies and making a positive impact with everything we do. We believe this will ensure that EQT stays successful and relevant for its investors and society as a whole for the long-term.