Investor AB - Definition and Overview

Investor AB is a Swedish investment company, founded in 1916 and still controlled by the Wallenberg family. The company owns a controlling stake in several large Swedish companies. In 2001 it had a market value of 90 billion kronor (€10 billion). The companies controlled by Investor are sometimes referred to as being part of the Wallenberg Sphere.

History

In 1916, new legislation made it more difficult for banks to own stocks in industrial companies on a long-term basis. Investor was formed as an investment part of Stockholms Enskilda Bank, at the time the largest instrument of power in the Wallenberg family.

Companies controlled by Investor

• ABB - power and automation technology
• Atlas Copco - industrial tooling and equipment
• Astra Zeneca - pharmaceuticals
• Electrolux - consumer appliances
• Ericsson - telecommunications
• Gambro - medical technology
• Saab - aviation and military technology
• Scania - commercial vehicles
• SEB - banking
• WM-data - IT services

See also

• Saab Automobile - acquired by General Motors

External links

• Investor AB (http://www.investorab.com/) - Official website
• Yahoo! - Investor AB Company Profile (http://biz.yahoo.com/ic/90/90885.html)