Connected for Growth

“Reflecting on 2024, we have successfully achieved what we set out to do. We accelerated our M&A activity, completing 18 acquisitions and reaching an all-time high in total enterprise value acquired. While organic growth remains our primary focus, acquisitions continue to be an important tool for strengthening our operations. With 14 out of the 18 acquisitions being add-ons to existing group companies, it is clear that our companies share a unified vision on this approach. Notably, all six of our business groups made acquisitions during 2024—a significant milestone that highlights the capabilities we have developed across the group.

We also continued our expansion in the Oceania region, with acquisitions by both the Lifting Solutions and Fluid Handling Solutions groups. Oceania is a strategic focus area where we aim to grow at a faster pace than the broader group. To support this ambition, a Regional Director for Strategy and M&A has been appointed for the region. We are confident this will benefit the business groups already present and those looking to establish a foothold there. As we look ahead to 2025, we are eager to further accelerate our acquisitive growth, with contributions from all business groups and continued efforts both within and beyond Europe.”

Fredrik Eklund, Director of Strategy and M&A

As global economic trends shift, diversification into non-European regions has become a key strategic focus. Oceania—encompassing Australia and New Zealand—offers significant opportunities, complementing the group’s European operations.

Since entering Oceania in 2018 through the acquisition of Brown Brothers Engineers and Kelair Pumps, business group Fluid Handling Solutions (AxFlow) has steadily expanded its presence in the region. By leveraging its expertise in fluid handling and through strategic acquisitions, AxFlow has built a robust platform for future growth.

“In 2024, sustainability remained a core focus within the group, and we made significant progress. A major milestone this year was the launch of our Sustainability Supply Chain Program 2.0, an updated framework designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and collaboration with our suppliers. Additionally, we officially began our CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) journey – a significant undertaking and an exciting step to further accelerate our sustainable transformation.

Another key initiative has been making the sustainability data more accessible to our companies. With a more data-driven approach, our companies can better understand their own data, take decisive actions, and share insights with customers, driving progress and identify new opportunities across the group. Our Scope 3 emissions mapping, completed in 2023, now serve as a vital base for understanding and reducing our carbon footprint. I am also very proud of our new sustainability training program. A training that reflects our values and priorities, ensuring that all our employees across the group are equipped with knowledge and tools to contribute to our collective goals.

Our companies are moving towards more sustainable business models that directly strengthen their customer offerings. Circularity and energy efficient solutions have been introduced, and we have expanded our offerings in rental, service, and renovation that extend product life cycles and optimize resource use. As we continue this journey, we remain committed to advancing sustainability within the value chain, from our suppliers to our own operations and through the solutions we offer to customers. I am truly proud of the progress our companies have made and excited to see the opportunities and advancements that 2025 will bring.”

Malin Ripa, Chief Sustainability Officer

Integrating sustainability into decision-making leads us to new opportunities, keeps us relevant and supports the growth of the group. Our strategic framework guides initiatives across the value chain—from supply chain to operations, and ultimately, to the customer offer. This strengthens our value proposition and drives sustainable transformation in our industry.

“The past year has been transformative for Axel Johnson International’s digital journey. One of our most impactful achievements is the launch of AxelAI, our internal ChatGPT based on OpenAI’s language model. AxelAI can integrate seamlessly with internal resources such as SharePoint, our data warehouse, and other business applications, redefining how we approach innovation and technology.

AxBus, our self-developed integration platform based on API technology, has proven its scalability and business-critical value with over 200 integrations across the group. Microsoft Power Platform has enabled the development of document and process automation, with growing demand driving productivity gains throughout our companies. The central data warehouse, supported by our Business Intelligence team, a robust mix of front-end developers and data engineers, has been instrumental in transforming data into actionable insights.

Together, these solutions create endless opportunities—imagine PowerPlatform connecting to ERP systems with AxelAI and BI data, orchestrated by AxBus, or the insights unlocked by linking AxelAI to our data warehouse. This year, we’ve not only built tools but also unlocked potential, laying the foundation for innovation and smarter business decisions.”

Mårten Steen, CIO

Digitalization is more than just technology—it’s a core strategy for driving growth, improving efficiency, and delivering long-term business value. Through solutions like AxBus and automation tools, the group’s companies are equipped to stay competitive in an increasingly connected world.

Susanne has been a dedicated employee in the group for impressive 38 years, and she truly values teamwork. She likes helping out and making the workflow smoother for those handling financial reporting. ​For her, it’s not just about the tasks—it’s about supporting her colleagues.

Val connects with customers in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French—ensuring they feel comfortable in the language that suits them best. He is a true mood booster with a genuine customer focus. ​

Ariane finds inspiration in working with a great team, creating, and developing together. Her skill in clear communication is key to success.

As an AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego), Jean Pierre enjoys exploring creative solutions, immersing himself in the process like one of the bricks. He believes true success comes from both personal commitment and the support of others.

Karol is a true mushroom enthusiast and expert, able to identify most fungi. His passion for mushrooms is well-known among both clients and colleagues, as is his genuine interest in the people he works with.

Manie is a professional in discus and shot put and participated in 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris with fine results. Due to a rare eye condition his vison is only about 5 percent, still he is an expert in repairing and restoring broken items back to a working, fully operational condition.

As of March 2025, Jonas Samuelson takes on the role of Board Chair at Axel Johnson International. With extensive leadership experience, including his recent role as CEO of Electrolux, Jonas is ready to bring his insights and vision to this new position.

Meet our Management Team – Steering our group functions and business groups with strategic leadership, driving growth, and advancing towards set goals.

Meet our Board of Directors – Providing strategic guidance and leadership to drive long-term growth and innovation.