Interview with Klas Tikkanen, Chief Operating Officer of Nordic Capital

In this interview, Klas Tikkanen, Chief Operating Officer of Nordic Capital, discusses the history and unique strengths of this private equity firm, which was founded in Sweden in 1989.Nordic Capital initiallyNordic Capital business around carve-out transactions involving companies spun off from major Swedish industrial groups. These origins have strongly shaped its investment culture, which is based on deep operational and industrial expertise, at a time when buyout still buyout heavily on financial leverage. Today, the firm stands out for its strong sector-specific specialization. It focuses primarily on healthcare, technology, financial services, industrials, and business services, with an approach increasingly oriented toward sub-sectors. Nordic Capital extensive experience in healthcare, with a dedicated sector team in place since 1998. One of the model’s key strengths lies in the link between specialization and proactive sourcing. The teams monitor target companies for several years before investing, sometimes up to eight years, as in the case of Corpuls, a German specialist in advanced resuscitation equipment. This long-term knowledge allows for early access to management, a better understanding of markets, and the development of a solid investment conviction.Value creation is based on operational support, international expansion, commercial strengthening, and the ability to help high-quality European companies reach their full potential, particularly in the U.S. market. ESG is also integrated as a value-creation tool, in line with the Scandinavian culture of responsibility and sustainability. Finally, Klas Tikkanen shares his market outlook. Despite an uncertain environment, Nordic Capital investing remains relevant, provided one remains disciplined regarding sectors, prices, and asset quality. In the medium term, private equity growth is expected to continue, driven in particular by family offices, private investors, and high-net-worth individuals.