Sustainable value creation

Our way of working

We are an active owner with a strategic, long-term mindset. Asset-specific value creation plans create a basis for our efforts, and we contribute to our portfolio companies´ development primarily via board work and specific functional support (e.g., M&A, treasury) either by A. Ahlström´s own team or by utilising trusted resources in our network. Mergers and acquisitions as well as transformational investments to improve business profile are an integral part of our way of working.

During the investment process, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the target company. To maximise value, it is crucial to understand the markets, competitive advantage and landscape, leadership and organisation, as well as historic performance, current momentum, and any possible limitations.

As a responsible investor, we are taking more and more concrete actions to impact the environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of our portfolio companies. Our Sustainability Policy defines the ESG framework and KPIs, set to track our companies´ sustainability development. In our annual sustainability reviews with the management of each portfolio company, we agree on the ESG targets and specific action plans for the future development of the companies

We believe in collaboration and see the AC Network – which brings together our owners and the boards and management of A. Ahlström and its portfolio companies – as one of our key strengths.

Investing in industrial holdings

Thanks to our long history and legacy, we have substantial experience of investing in industrial companies. Our aim is to be the anchor investor in our industrial holdings, and we typically invest between EUR 50–150 million in a single portfolio company. We seek both local and international companies that are fundamentally in good shape and produce solutions that drive sustainable development. Our portfolio includes listed and privately held companies.

Over recent years, we have shifted our focus more towards a sector-specific approach. We see especially good growth potential in the Forest & Fiber sector and are constantly looking to increase our presence in other attractive areas, such as in circular economy.

Investing in real estate and forest holdings

Our real estate portfolio consists of quality assets in prime locations. The asset size range is EUR 10–75 million. We invest in office, industrial, logistics and residential properties located in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Tampere, Turku, and potentially other growing cities.

We create value through active ownership and make the most of our development and conversion expertise. We seek to find high-quality tenants with whom to conclude long-term lease agreements.

As one of Finland’s largest private forest owners we have long traditions in the sustainable forest business. Our 35,000 hectares of forests are in Western Finland in the Satakunta region, and in Central and Eastern Finland. All our forests are PEFC certified and managed in an ecologically, economically and socially sustainable manner.

The real estate and forest holdings are managed by our fully owned subsidiary, A. Ahlström Real Estate Ltd. We also own and develop culturally and historically significant Noormarkku Works.