Ballingslöv International acquires Austrian kitchen market leader DANKÜCHEN
With the target to expand operations, Ballingslöv International will acquire DANKÜCHEN, Austria’s number one best-selling kitchen manufacturer. Ballingslöv International expects the takeover to drive further growth in the Central European kitchen market, with DANKÜCHEN playing a leading role.
Subject to the approval of the competent competition authority, the family-owned DANKÜCHEN company will become a subsidiary of Ballingslöv International, which has not previously been active in the Austrian market. DANKÜCHEN will remain independent as a company under the stewardship of its new and strong international owner. Production at the sites in Upper Austria will continue with plans for future expansion. Björn Hauber (CEO and Managing Director of Ballingslöv International) will oversee business operations once the acquisition is complete. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
DANKÜCHEN is Austria’s leading kitchen manufacturer. With around 450 employees, the family business recorded roughly 120 million euros in sales last year and is active outside of Austria in nine countries amongst others in Croatia, Slovenia and Germany.
Ballingslöv International is one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen furniture in Europe with brands such as Ballingslöv, Drømmekjøkkenet, Kvik, JKE Design, Multiform, Paula Rosa Manhattan and worktop manufacturer DFI-Geisler. With its current workforce of some 1,300 employees, the group generated roughly 480 million euros in sales in the past financial year.
Stena Adactum. Ballingslöv International is part of Stena Adactum, an investment company working with long term perspective investments having kitchen as one core sector. Stena Adactum is owned by the well-established, family-owned Stena AB. Stena AB reported sales of approximately 5 billion euros in 2022 with a staff of around 17,000 employees. Ballingslöv International has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Stena Adactum, since 2010.
DANKÜCHEN in good hands. DANKÜCHEN’s previous owner, the HANMAN private foundation, is convinced that the company will be in good hands, preserving the jobs of its employees. “We have maintained a friendly relationship with Ballingslöv International and the Olsson family – Stena AB’s owners – for many years,” says the supervisory board member of DANKÜCHEN Robert Ehrenhöfer. “We were not looking for a financial investor, but for a partner and family business that continues to grow DANKÜCHEN guided by our ideas and values. We are glad to have found such a partner in Ballingslöv International.”
Björn Hauber added, “We look forward to working with DANKÜCHEN. There is so much we can achieve together. We have ambitious targets in mind for our future with DANKÜCHEN. We will join forces to grow from our strong position and tap new markets in Europe.”
Malmö October 5, 2023
BALLINGSLÖV INTERNATIONAL AB
Richard Lee new Managing Director Paula Rosa Manhattan
Richard Lee has been appointed as new Managing Director for Paula Rosa Manhattan from the 14th of November 2022. Richard succeeds Eric Prescott, who has successfully led the company since November 2015 and has decided to move on to retirement.
Richard has a broad senior leadership and MD background with many years of experience in the kitchen industry. Over the years he has worked for amongst others the companies of Howdens Joinery, Living Box Services, Mark Two Home and Moben Kitchens.
With his international leadership experience and industry background Richard will head the team of Paula Rosa Manhattan to promote its leading position in the market.
We wish Richard a warm welcome to Paula Rosa Manhattan and the Ballingslöv International Group and would like to thank Eric for his instrumental contributions to the company.
Freddy Lauridsen new Managing Director JKE Design A/S
Freddy Lauridsen has been appointed as new Managing Director for JKE Design A/S from the 1st of May 2022. Freddy succeeds Claus Beier, who has successfully led the company since 2017 and has decided to move on in his career.
Freddy has a broad senior leadership and MD background with experience in different industries. Over the years he has worked for amongst others the companies of DT Group, Silvan, HTH and Marlon. With his international leadership experience and industry background he will continue to drive the successful growth journey for JKE Design.
We wish Freddy a warm welcome to JKE Design and the Ballingslöv International Group.
Björn Hauber new Managing Director and CEO in Ballingslöv International
Björn Hauber has been appointed Managing Director and CEO of Ballingslöv International from the 14th of September 2020. He succeeds Anders Wassberg, who during the autumn of 2020 will take over as CEO of Ballingslöv International’s parent company, Stena Adactum. Anders Wassberg will take over as Chairman of the Board of Ballingslöv International according to previous communication.
Björn Hauber, 49 years old, comes from a long career within the Daimler Group, most recently as CEO of Mercedes-Benz Sweden and Denmark.
Martin Svalstedt, Chairman of the Board, comments on the appointment:
“After an extensive recruitment process, we can conclude that Ballingslöv International generated a lot of interest. Björn Hauber’s commercial achievements with experience from capital goods in an international perspective in combination with his eminent leadership qualities has made him a natural fit for our Group.
Ballingslöv International’s Board of Directors is very pleased to have been able to attract Björn to lead the continued development of the Group’s operations within the framework of Ballingslöv International’s business concept and strategic direction ”.
To further strengthen the Group management and provide management continuity Magnus Hegdal is appointed Deputy CEO as well as CFO where he spans finance as well as IT and sustainability.
Martin Svalstedt continues:
“Magnus’s appointment is well deserved and further recognizes his commitment to both the culture and strategic direction of the business”
“The Board would like to express their gratitude to Anders Wassberg for the good development that Ballingslöv International has had under his leadership and wishes Björn Hauber a warm welcome to his new role.”
Malmö September 7, 2020
BALLINGSLÖV INTERNATIONAL AB
Martin Svalstedt
Chairman of the Board
For further information:
Martin Svalstedt, Chairman of the Board, +46 704855371
Anders Wassberg, incoming Chairman of the Board, +46 734270801
Allan Meyer has been appointed new Managing Director of Multiform A/S as of July 1, 2020. Allan succeeds Lars Bay-Smidt, who has maintained the position of acting MD.
Allan Meyer comes from the Danish storage producer KA Interiør where he has been Managing Director since 2004. In recent years he has also been responsible for the Dutch storage manufacturer Noteborn. Both companies are part of the German furniture group Vivonio Furniture Group.
New Chief Production Officer Ballingslöv International
Taina Ekström is appointed new Chief Production Officer of Ballingslöv International from the 1st of August 2019.
Taina holds a Master of Science and most recently comes from Saint-Gobain Ceilings where she worked as Supply Chain Director. Taina has held various positions within the group Saint-Gobain since 2004, including as European Operations Director.
Taina will work with production development in our operations in Sweden, Denmark and England.
She will also be a member of the Group Management Team for Ballingslöv International and report to the undersigned.
Claus Beier is appointed new Managing Director of JKE Design A/S from the 1st of October 2017.
Claus Beier succeeds Claus Nørgaard who has decided to leave the company.
Claus Beier is currently CEO of JELD-WEN Denmark, best known under the Swedoor brand. With his experience Claus will lead the execution of the JKE strategic plan.
Claus will report to Business Area Director Lars Bay-Smidt.
We thank Claus Nørgaard for his efforts in the Group and wish him and Claus Beier all the best with their new challenges.
