The History and Activities of Kinde & Co

Kinde & Co are family-owned companies with a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The original company was founded by Jacob Wilhelm Kinde in 1905 in Gothenburg, Sweden and the company was incorporated as a limited liability company in 1914. This establishment marked the beginning of a legacy that has been passed down through generations, with the company remaining under family ownership to this day.

Early Beginnings

Jacob W Kinde, the founder, was a visionary who played a significant role in the economic development of Gothenburg. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Kinde & Co, which initially focused on various industrial activities involving a number of companies as set out below.

Jacob W Kinde founded together with Linus Höglund and his brother-in-law Knut Littorin d.ä. AB Jakobsdals Kamgarnspinneri in 1910 (where he was CEO directly from 1910 to the end of the 1950s and was the majority owner) which owned a majority stake in Färgeriaktiebolaget Levanten, AB Varuhuset Lino-peters (original name Göteborgs Linoleum- Magasin Peters, Franzen & Co) around 1910 founded together with Joseph Peters, Örgryte Kemiska, , Aktiebolaget Carl Alms Skomanufaktur together with his brother-in-law Albert Fränkel, Matfors Yllefabrik AB, Bohus Läderfabrik AB, partner in Göteborgs Stubbvedsaffär, shareholder in Nissafors Träkols factory, Danielsson & Co, one of the founders and board member Träindustri, Byggnadsföreningen Jakobsdal upa, AB Elektrokompaniet, Samuelsson & Stenberg, Nissans Träförädlings AB, and was one of the founders and board member of AB Svensk Kraftlinoleum which merged with Forshaga Linoleumsfabrik (today Forbo-Forshaga), Kindes Båtvarv AB etc.

Jacob Kinde was also one of the founders of AB Axel Christiernsson’s factory in Nol near Gothenburg together with Herman Meeths and was a board member of Herman Meeths AB. He also had interests in Volvo and the Skandinaviska Banken (now SEB) and others. He also founded and owned a number of real estate companies, for example Fastighets AB Commercia, Fastighetsaktiebolaget Partillo in Gothenburg and Fastighets-AB Domkvarteret in Gothenburg and AB Skott in Stockholm together with Herman Meeths.

Over the years, the company has evolved, adapting to the changing economic landscape while maintaining its core values of innovation and family commitment.

Today the Swedish company Kinde & Co. is owned by one of the grand daughters of Jacob W Kinde.

Transition to the United Kingdom

In 2014, Kinde & Co expanded its operations by forming Kinde & Co Limited in the United Kingdom. This new entity is owned by Jacob Kinde’s grandson and his family, further solidifying the family’s involvement in the business. The UK branch has diversified its activities, focusing on investment and consultancy services, which has allowed it to build a robust portfolio

Investment Portfolio and Activities

Kinde & Co Limited has developed an investment portfolio that includes shareholdings in various companies. Notable investments include:

• Amber Fusion: A company focused on innovative solutions in the energy sector.
• Boustead Consulting/Boustead & Co.: A consultancy firm that offers strategic insights and operational support.
• Eagle Square Capital: An US based investment firm that focuses on growth opportunities in various sectors.
• C02 Global /Clean Forestry: A company dedicated to sustainable forestry practices.
• Sisu Energy: Involved in energy solutions, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency.
• Senior Adviser to Savvy Capital in North America, an innovative tech-based investment banking firm.
• ⁠Fearnley & Kinde: Engaged in consultancy and creative services, providing expert advice across various industries.

These investments reflect Kinde & Co’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the industries it engages with.

A Legacy of Family Ownership

The Kinde family has maintained a strong connection to the company throughout its history. Today, the companies are owned by Jacob W Kinde’s grandchildren and their families, ensuring that the values and vision of the founder continue to guide its operations. This family-oriented approach has been a cornerstone of Kinde & Co’s success, allowing it to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the market.

Kinde & Co’s journey from its inception in 1905 to its current status as a diversified investment and consultancy firm is a testament to the enduring legacy of its founder, Jacob Wilhelm Kinde. The company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and family values has allowed it to thrive in a competitive landscape. As Kinde & Co continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to contributing positively to the economic development of Gothenburg and beyond.