H&M on the Brink of Private Takeover?
Hidden Purchases: Unassuming Ownership Expansion of H&M Shares
The renowned fast-fashion retailer, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), listed on the Swedish stock market since 1974, is edging closer to potential private ownership due to a surge in share purchases by the Persson family, known as one of Sweden's wealthiest clans.
Over the past five years, the Persson family has invested a whopping $6.6 billion, boosting their stake in H&M from 35.5% to a staggering 64% through their holding company, Ramsbury Invest [1]. Speculation is rife about a possible takeover, yet family members have adamantly refused such intentions, merely expressing unwavering faith in the company founded by Erling Persson in 1947.
But here's the catch: According to financial expertslike Niklas Ekman at DNB Carnegie, continued share purchases could suggest more strategic ambitions, possibly leading to a buyout if the family manages to amass around 90% ownership within the next couple of years [1].
The Persson Family's Consistent Power Play
The Perssons have been consistently bolstering their influence over the Swedish fashion giant through their astute share acquisitions. Their current control amounts to approximately 70% of the capital and a whopping 85% of the voting rights [2][3]. However, despite repeated denials, the public persists in questioning their long-term plans for the company, amidst the fierce competition within the fast-fashion market [2][3].
This sustained investment by the Persson family could have significant repercussions for other investors, provoking anxiety about H&M potentially leaving the Swedish stock market, thus impacting stock liquidity [2][3].
[1] - ["Billionaire Persson Family Takes Another Step Towards H&M Private Takeover," FinancialTimes, 2025][2] - ["The Dynamics Behind the Persson Family's Stake in H&M," BusinessInsider, 2025][3] - ["H&M Stock Slumps Following Persson Family Share Purchases," BBCNews, 2025][4] - ["Impact of Potential H&M Takeover on the Swedish Stock Market," StockMarketWire, 2025]
- The Persson family's continued efforts in acquiring a significant stake in H&M, with their current control equating to around 70% of the capital and 85% of the voting rights, has sparked speculation among financial experts about potential repercussions for other investors, such as the impact on stock liquidity if H&M were to leave the Swedish stock market.
- As financial experts like Niklas Ekman at DNB Carnegie suggest, the Persson family's recent surge in share purchases could be indicative of more strategic ambitions, potentially leading to a buyout if they manage to amass around 90% ownership within the next few years, a move that might significantly affect the business landscape of the fast-fashion industry and the financial market at large.
