Bursting forth from a property bubble
The company emerged from the banking crisis of the 1990s, and government corporations Retriva AB and Securum AB. When the property bubble burst, banks found themselves with substantial property portfolios, which they just wanted to get off their hands. This marked the birth of Kungsleden—as a temporary crisis solution to manage Gota Bank AB’s held property assets. Gota Bank formed a subsidiary grouping, Retriva, with Kungsleden as this group’s property company.
Named after a hike in Sweden’s mountains
Kungsleden’s name was chosen to capture the feeling of a hike in Sweden’s mountains. The broad perspective, overview and destination far off in the distance.
Some of the market’s biggest institutional investors bought the company in 1997, creating secure long-term ownership for its future. The seller was the then-principal owner, government management corporation Agilia Holding AB. The business concept was realigned to its current orientation, and Kungsleden was listed on the stock market in 1999.
A listed company for over 10 years
Kungsleden celebrated ten years as a listed company in 2009. At the time of its initial public offering, Kungsleden held properties worth SEK 5 billion. Ten years later, the value of the property portfolio had increased fivefold. But property values aren’t the only measure of growth.
Kungsleden has grown in its role as a responsible corporate citizen, with corporate social responsibility to improve the environment and the circumstances of young people.
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