KIRKBI is a Danish family-owned holding and investment company founded in 1995. The company’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow by building a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand through generations. KIRKBI is also committed to investing in renewable energy, private equity, venture capital, and real estate investments in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK.
KIRKBI owns 75% of The LEGO Group and 47.5% of Merlin Entertainments, making them the largest shareholder in both companies. In addition, KIRKBI’s portfolio of long-term equity investments includes Falck A/S, ISS, Nilfisk, Välinge, Landis+Gyr, and Armacell. Through board representation, KIRKBI seeks to influence the strategic direction and contribute to creating sustainable growth in portfolio companies.
Key Takeaways
- KIRKBI is a Danish family-owned holding and investment company founded in 1995.
- KIRKBI owns 75% of The LEGO Group and 47.5% of Merlin Entertainments.
- KIRKBI’s portfolio of long-term equity investments includes Falck A/S, ISS, Nilfisk, Välinge, Landis+Gyr, and Armacell.
KIRKBI at a Glance
History and Background
KIRKBI is a family-owned holding and investment company based in Billund, Denmark. It was founded in 1995 by the Kirk Kristiansen family, the owners of the LEGO Group, to build a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand through generations. KIRKBI has a rich legacy tied to one of the world’s most beloved brands, LEGO.
Mission and Values
The mission of KIRKBI is to inspire builders of tomorrow by creating value through responsible ownership. The company is rooted in its values of quality, care, and innovation. KIRKBI aims to make a positive impact on the world by investing in sustainable solutions and supporting education, creativity, and play.
Leadership
Søren Thorup Sørensen is the CEO of KIRKBI A/S. He is responsible for leading the company and ensuring that it operates in accordance with its mission and values. Sørensen has been with KIRKBI since 2017 and has extensive experience in the investment industry. He is committed to building a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand.
KIRKBI’s headquarters are located in Billund, Denmark, the birthplace of the LEGO Group. The company has a diversified portfolio of investments in renewable energy, private equity, long-term direct investments, venture capital, and real estate in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. KIRKBI has invested in notable companies such as Armacell, Falck, ISS A/S, and Nilfisk.
In summary, KIRKBI is a family-owned holding and investment company founded to build a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand through generations. The company is committed to making a positive impact on the world by investing in sustainable solutions and supporting education, creativity, and play. Søren Thorup Sørensen is the CEO of KIRKBI A/S and is responsible for leading the company in accordance with its mission and values.
Investment Portfolio
KIRKBI’s investment portfolio is comprised of Equity Investments, Real Estate Investments, and Renewable Energy Initiatives. The company’s investment philosophy is based on a belief in value creation through responsible long-term focus as well as a long-term illiquidity premium. KIRKBI expects long-term investments to be a growing part of the total portfolio.
Equity Investments
KIRKBI’s equity investments include Falck A/S, ISS, Nilfisk, Välinge, Landis+Gyr, and Armacell. Through board representation, KIRKBI seeks to influence the strategic direction and contribute to creating sustainable growth in portfolio companies. Their equity investments are focused on companies in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK.
Real Estate Investments
KIRKBI’s real estate investments are primarily focused on properties in Denmark, the US, and the UK. Their portfolio includes commercial properties, residential properties, and development projects. KIRKBI’s real estate investments are managed by a team of experienced professionals who work closely with local partners to identify and execute on attractive investment opportunities.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
KIRKBI is committed to investing in renewable energy initiatives that promote sustainable development. Their renewable energy investments are focused on wind and solar power projects in Denmark and Germany. KIRKBI’s approach to renewable energy investing is based on a long-term perspective, with a focus on generating attractive returns while also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Overall, KIRKBI’s investment portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to responsible long-term investing. Through a diversified portfolio of equity and real estate investments, as well as renewable energy initiatives, KIRKBI is well positioned to generate attractive returns while also contributing to sustainable economic development.
Subsidiaries and Key Holdings
KIRKBI is a family-owned investment company that has a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries and key holdings. Here are some of the notable entities that KIRKBI owns:
The LEGO Group
KIRKBI is rooted in its mission to build a sustainable future for family ownership of the LEGO brand. As such, KIRKBI owns 75% of The LEGO Group, one of the world’s most beloved brands known for its iconic LEGO bricks and sets. The LEGO Group has a strong commitment to sustainability, and KIRKBI shares this vision by investing in sustainable solutions that benefit the environment and society.
ISS A/S
KIRKBI also owns a 19.45% stake in ISS A/S, a leading global provider of facility services. ISS A/S offers a range of services, including cleaning, catering, security, and property services, to customers in more than 70 countries. KIRKBI’s investment in ISS A/S is part of its strategy to invest in companies that have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Falck
Falck is a global provider of emergency medical services, fire protection, and security services. KIRKBI owns a 36.8% stake in Falck, which operates in more than 35 countries. Falck’s mission is to prevent accidents, disease, and emergency situations, and to provide assistance when they occur. KIRKBI’s investment in Falck aligns with its commitment to invest in companies that make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Nilfisk
KIRKBI owns a 29.9% stake in Nilfisk, a leading global provider of professional cleaning equipment. Nilfisk’s products are used in a range of industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, and transportation. Nilfisk is committed to sustainability and has set ambitious targets to reduce its environmental impact. KIRKBI’s investment in Nilfisk reflects its focus on investing in companies that have a positive impact on the environment.
Armacell
Armacell is a global leader in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market. KIRKBI owns a 50% stake in Armacell, which operates in more than 50 countries. Armacell’s products are used in a variety of applications, including HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration. Armacell is committed to sustainability and has set targets to reduce its carbon footprint and improve its energy efficiency. KIRKBI’s investment in Armacell reflects its commitment to investing in companies that have a positive impact on the environment.
These are just a few of the notable subsidiaries and key holdings of KIRKBI. As a family-owned investment company, KIRKBI is committed to investing in companies that have a positive impact on society and the environment.
Venture Capital and Growth
KIRKBI has invested in several high-growth companies through its venture capital arm. The company has a diversified portfolio, which includes investments in companies in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, and more. According to KIRKBI’s website, the company continues to explore opportunities globally.
Venture Investments
KIRKBI’s venture investments are focused on renewable energy, private equity, long-term direct investments, venture capital, and real estate investments in Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. The company has a long-term investment horizon and is committed to supporting its portfolio companies in achieving their growth objectives.
Strategic Partnerships
KIRKBI has established strategic partnerships with venture capital managers and other partners to identify investment opportunities and build relationships with high-growth companies. The company’s relationships with venture capital managers and partners provide it with access to a broad network of opportunities and help it to identify and evaluate potential investments.
KIRKBI’s venture capital and growth strategy is focused on identifying and investing in high-growth companies with strong management teams and innovative business models. The company’s long-term investment horizon and strategic partnerships with venture capital managers and partners provide it with a competitive advantage in identifying and evaluating investment opportunities.
Financial Strategy
KIRKBI’s financial strategy is focused on building a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand through generations. The company’s investment activities are managed with a long-term perspective, and it aims to generate attractive financial risk-adjusted returns while maintaining a diversified portfolio of assets.
Risk Management
KIRKBI’s risk management framework is designed to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with its investment activities. The company has a strong focus on risk management to ensure that it can navigate through market uncertainties and achieve its long-term goals. KIRKBI’s risk management approach is based on a thorough analysis of the risks associated with each asset class, and the company uses a range of risk management tools to mitigate these risks.
Asset Class Diversification
KIRKBI’s investment portfolio is diversified across a range of asset classes, including fixed income, equity, and real estate. This diversification helps to reduce the overall risk of the portfolio and provides exposure to a range of different investment opportunities. KIRKBI’s approach to asset class diversification is based on a long-term perspective and a focus on generating attractive financial risk-adjusted returns.
Overall, KIRKBI’s financial strategy is designed to build a sustainable future for the family ownership of the LEGO brand through generations. The company’s approach to risk management and asset class diversification helps to ensure that it can navigate through market uncertainties and achieve its long-term goals.
Digital and Educational Initiatives
KIRKBI is an investment company with a diverse portfolio of businesses. The company is rooted in its mission to build a sustainable future for family ownership of the LEGO brand. In line with this mission, KIRKBI has invested in several digital and educational initiatives that aim to promote digital play and learning, content marketing, and publishing.
Digital Play and Learning
KIRKBI has invested in several digital play and learning initiatives that aim to promote creativity and imagination among children. The company has partnered with several educational technology platforms, including BrainPOP, to provide children with access to high-quality educational content that is fun and engaging. KIRKBI has also invested in several digital play and learning startups that are focused on developing innovative products and services that promote creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills among children.
Content Marketing and Publishing
KIRKBI has also invested in several content marketing and publishing initiatives that aim to promote the LEGO brand and its products. The company has partnered with several publishers and media companies to produce high-quality content that showcases the LEGO brand and its products. KIRKBI has also invested in several content marketing startups that are focused on developing innovative marketing strategies and campaigns that promote the LEGO brand and its products.
One of KIRKBI’s notable initiatives in this space is its partnership with ISSUU, a digital publishing platform that allows users to create and publish interactive content. Through this partnership, KIRKBI has been able to create and publish digital magazines, catalogs, and other interactive content that showcase the LEGO brand and its products.
KIRKBI also maintains a blog on its website that provides customers with product news, tips, resources, and interviews. The blog is an excellent resource for LEGO enthusiasts and provides customers with a glimpse into the company’s culture and values.
Overall, KIRKBI’s digital and educational initiatives reflect the company’s commitment to promoting creativity, imagination, and learning among children. The company’s investments in digital play and learning, content marketing, and publishing have helped to promote the LEGO brand and its products and have contributed to the company’s continued success.
Community Engagement and Impact
KIRKBI is committed to making a positive impact on the community through various outreach programs and sustainable initiatives. The company believes in giving back to the community and creating a better future for generations to come.
Educational Outreach
KIRKBI recognizes the importance of education and invests in various educational programs to provide knowledge, insights, and exposure to young minds. The company supports educational initiatives that align with its values and mission. In 2023, KIRKBI invested in a program that provided STEM education to underprivileged children in Denmark. The program aimed to inspire young children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Sustainable Development
KIRKBI is committed to sustainable development and renewable energy. The company believes in reducing its carbon footprint and investing in renewable energy sources. In 2024, KIRKBI invested in a wind energy project in Germany. The project aimed to generate clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. KIRKBI has also invested in sustainable development projects in Africa, providing clean water and sanitation facilities to underprivileged communities.
KIRKBI’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development is evident in its various initiatives. The company believes in creating a better future for generations to come and is committed to making a positive impact on the community.
