28/10/2024

Kraft Finans acquires Forte Fondene.

The total assets under management in Kraft Finans will thus be NOK 12.5 billion.

The largest shareholder in Kraft Finans is currently Bjørn Maaseide with a 45 per cent stake, while the rest of the ownership is divided between employees and external investors. Forte Fondene is owned by Robert Hvide Macleod, Eirik Flatebø, Trondheim investors and employees.

They are now joining forces with the aim of taking an even stronger position in the market. Together, they will strengthen their presence in Central Norway while building on Kraft Finans' national distribution power.

  • "This merger is a strategically good match, and it strengthens both our nationwide distribution and our presence in Central Norway. We are very much looking forward to utilising the power and strength of the two companies together," says Sveinung Byberg, CEO of Kraft Finans.

Kraft Finans currently has offices in seven of Norway's largest cities - Oslo, Sandnes, Tromsø, Bergen, Kristiansand, Ålesund and Trondheim. Since its inception in 2010, Forte Fondene has been based in Trondheim, and has exclusively engaged in fund management.

Kraft Finans has built itself up through a comprehensive advisory service in wealth management, gradually supplemented by departments for asset management, corporate finance and insurance brokerage. Now everything is united under the Kraft Finans umbrella.

Strengthening management

Kraft Finans currently has its own asset management department through Kraft Fondene, where the fixed income funds Kraft Nordic Bonds, Kraft Høyrente and Kraft Investment Grade form the pillars. Measured in terms of return, the first two funds are Norway's best fixed income funds over the past 12 months. Kraft Nordic Bonds has delivered a return of 32.9 per cent over the past 12 months, while Kraft Høyrente has delivered 23.09 per cent over the same period.

Forte Fondene manages five different mutual funds within equities and fixed income. These include Forte Norge, Forte Global, Forte Trønder, Forte Strategisk and, not least, Forte Obligasjon.

  • "With this acquisition, we will unite the two asset management departments, thereby securing an even stronger position in the market. Together, Kraft Finans and Forte will continue to grow and create value for our customers through solid management expertise and local presence," says Byberg.

The acquisition is subject to approval from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway.

About Kraft Finance:

The company is located in seven of Norway's largest cities: Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Kristiansand, Tromsø, Sandnes and Ålesund.

Kraft Finans is owned by employees, investors, and the largest owner is Bjørn Maaseide with 45 %

Kraft Finans is also the majority owner of Kraft Forsikringsmegling.

Kraft Finans offers a comprehensive advisory service, including investment advice, receipt/intermediation of orders, order execution, active management and organisation.

About Forte Fondene:

Forte Fondene is a player in fund management in the Nordic region, with a portfolio comprising five funds divided into equity, fixed income and combination funds. Forte Fondene conducts active management with a clear goal of creating long-term value for its customers, both private individuals and institutional investors. Forte Fondene was established in 2010 and is located in Trondheim.

Forte Fondene is owned by Robert Hvide Macleod, Eirik Flatebø and Trondheim investors and employees.

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