Axel Johnson International signs sustainability-linked loan with Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK)
Axel Johnson International increases its ambitions in sustainability and signs a sustainability-linked loan of 55 million euro with Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK). The loan is linked to several sustainability-related goals with focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
“Thanks to many years of structured sustainability work and increased ambitions in our new group-wide sustainability strategy, we have been able to agree on this loan with SEK. It’s very exciting to connect our efforts in sustainability to financing in this manner,” says Malin Ripa, Head of Sustainability, Axel Johnson International.
SEK provides sustainability-linked loans to Swedish export companies on the condition that the linked sustainability goals are relevant to the industry in which the company operates, and that the goals are ambitious.
“Providing sustainability-linked loans is a way for us to direct financing towards tangible and measurable goals while offering a more favourable interest rate for our clients. It’s a win-win for all parties, especially for the climate,” says Jens Hedar, Head of Client Relationship Management at Swedish Export Credit Corporation.
Axel Johnson International’s linked sustainability KPIs relate to energy efficiency in own operations and internal transports within the group, which correspond to Scope 1 and 2 in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The third KPI relates to renewable electricity which is an important part in reducing the group’s CO\2\ emissions. Besides the sustainability aspect, the loan contributes to Axel Johnson International’s global acquisition strategy.
“We are very pleased with this agreement with SEK, which will contribute to our continued acquisition journey. Going forward, we see great potential in linking a larger part of our total financing to our sustainability strategy,” says Ola Karlsson, CFO, Axel Johnson International.
For more information, please contact:
Malin Ripa, Head of Sustainability, Axel Johnson International
+46 8 453 77 92, malin.ripa@axinter.com
Ola Karlsson, CFO, Axel Johnson International
+46 8 453 77 10, ola.karlsson@axinter.com
About the Swedish Export Credit Corporation (SEK)
SEK is a state-owned company that finances Swedish exporters, their suppliers and international buyers. Since 1962, SEK has offered loans that have enabled hundreds of Swedish companies to grow by increasing production, making acquisitions, increasing the number of employees and selling products and services to clients across the globe. With lending in 60 countries, SEK has long-standing experience of international funding and is a natural business partner in export financing.
About Axel Johnson International
Axel Johnson International is a global industrial group of more than 150 companies in 30 countries. We drive business development and growth through a long-term approach to ownership in strategically selected niche markets, primarily technical components and solutions for industrial processes. Axel Johnson International is organised in six business groups: Driveline Solutions, Fluid Handling Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Lifting Solutions, Power Transmission Solutions and Transport Solutions. We are part of the Swedish family-owned corporate group Axel Johnson. www.axinter.com