Seeking new business opportunities is a natural part of EQT’s DNA. New initiatives typically tap into an asset class, sector or region where the EQT platform can make a difference. EQT has not yet explored the opportunities within the public setting – until now.

The core of EQT’s business model is to build strong and sustainable companies that are future-proofed for the long-run. Portfolio companies have an average increase in sales by 10%, EBITDA by 11% and number of employees by 10% – each year. EQT is also an active stakeholder within the equity capital markets, more specifically in Northern Europe, and has made 16 IPOs since inception.

As a first step to dig deeper into the opportunities that lie within publicly listed mid-market companies, Investment Advisor EQT Partners is teaming up with Zeres Capital, creating a Public Value team with both strong buyout and public market advisory experience. Fredrik Åtting, Partner at EQT Partners, will head the initiative together with Joakim Rubin, founder of Zeres Capital, who subsequently will become Partner and Investment Advisor at EQT Partners. Fredrik Åtting comments:

“Over the years, we have come across many listed mid-cap companies where we believe an active ownership approach could have unlocked their full potential. We believe this represents an opportunity for an active ownership and value creation model. Having access to the EQT network, the firm’s widespread sector expertise in addition to all the other benefits the global EQT platform offers would enable further value creation opportunities.”

Zeres Capital is an independent Stockholm-based investment firm, founded in 2013, with a history of creating value by supporting the building of robust, healthy businesses within the public market. Joakim Rubin highlights some of the aspects behind why he, together with a team of six public markets specialists, have decided to join EQT Partners:

“EQT Partners and Zeres Capital share the same philosophy when it comes to active and responsible ownership, and the importance of engaged management teams, boards and shareholders that are aligned on strategy – we believe our skills will be a great combination.”

Fredrik Åtting concludes: “The combination of a private equity mindset and a significant public market experience, will enable EQT to explore and leverage the EQT way of developing companies in a new and attractive marketplace.”