EQT’s Jonsson to step down as managing partner in March

EQT managing partner Conni Jonsson is to step down from his position in March. Thomas von Koch has been appointed new managing partner. Jonsson will, in his role as working chairman of EQT Holdings AB, continue to work full time for EQT and focus on investment advisory activities and increased interaction with EQT investors.

PRESS RELEASE

In order to secure EQT’s long-term growth and continued successful development, the management structure will be strengthened. Thomas von Koch has been appointed new Managing Partner, supported by the EQT partnership and board. Conni Jonsson will, in his role as working Chairman of EQT Holdings AB, continue to work full time for EQT and focus on investment advisory activities and increased interaction with EQT investors. Both Thomas and Conni will be members of all relevant EQT investment advisory related committees and portfolio company review committees.

“It has been an amazing 20 years leading EQT from a single buyout firm with a Swedish accent to becoming one of the most successful private equity organizations in Europe. I am very proud of what we have achieved together with partners and colleagues within EQT. EQT has grown tremendously and we need to make sure we strengthen our management structure accordingly. Thomas von Koch will become an excellent Managing Partner. He is a business oriented leader, well respected among our various stakeholders and has the EQT culture and values as part of his DNA. For EQT, it is important to have a strong and stable management structure and the appointment of Thomas secures continuity of EQT’s strategy and the long-term vision of the firm”, states Conni Jonsson, founder and Managing Partner since the inception of EQT in 1994.

Thomas von Koch is 47 years old and was part of the team that founded EQT. During his tenure at EQT, he has been involved in many private equity landmark transactions such as ComHem, KBW and Gambro. He was also Head of the EQT Equity business line between 2008 and 2011. Thomas holds an M. Sc. in Financial Economics and Accounting Finance from the Stockholm School of Economics.

“I am really excited to take on the challenge of managing EQT – it is quite a changed company compared to the one we started in 1994. Today, EQT is global, differentiated and well recognized for the ability to truly develop companies. I feel enthusiastic about working together with the organization and the board to continue the execution of EQT’s growth strategy. I’m honored but remain humble given the challenges we face, both as a company and as an industry”, says Thomas von Koch.

Changes are effective as of March 1, 2014.

EQT will hold a press conference call today Tuesday November 19 at 15.00 CET. The press conference will start with a brief EQT overview and after that a moderated questions and answers session with both Conni Jonsson and Thomas von Koch. The press conference is expected to end around 16.00 CET.

Dial in details are +46 8 506 443 86 with participant pin code 677361#.

Contacts: Johan Hähnel, Communications & PR, +46 8 506 55 334

About EQT
EQT is the leading private equity group in Northern Europe, with portfolio companies in Northern and Eastern Europe, Asia and the US with total sales of more than EUR 25 billion and over 550,000 employees. EQT works with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.