About us
We are a leading industrial investment company focused on brands and consumer-oriented companies, with a presence in over 100 markets globally. As active owners, we apply a flexible model tailored to strengthen each company’s potential and deliver sustainable, long-term value to our shareholders.
We invest in companies where we can contribute to further value creation through deep industry expertise, consumer insights and experience in building leading brands.
“Orkla ASA combines an investment mindset with brand-building expertise. With decades of industry expertise and a flexible ownership model, we develop brand- and consumer-oriented companies to drive long-term value. It is the combination of these elements that makes us truly unique and gives me confidence in our continued success.”
President and CEO, Nils K. Selte
Investing in people and driving growth through our culture
The way we work is guided by three core values:
Brave
- drives us forward and encourages us to take necessary risks.
Inspiring
- brings out the best in us, fostering engagement and commitment.
Trustworthy
- forms the foundation of our actions and relationships built on trust.
We believe that each employee’s involvement, engagement, and performance drive Orkla’s growth and value creation. By encouraging our team to take initiative, learn, and contribute to the company’s progress, we create an environment where both the individuals and the company thrive.
We strive to create a sense of belonging and well-being within a professional environment, laying a solid foundation for both personal and professional development, and fostering a growth mindset.
Over 350 years of adapting to change
From copper to consumer goods, from the Orkla river in Norway to a portfolio of companies offering everyday essentials to consumers worldwide.
Orkla’s history since 1654 is defined by continuous innovation and adaptation – from a simple mining company into a leading industrial investor in brands and consumer-oriented companies. Explore our story – from a single mine to one of Norway's largest publicly traded companies.
1654
Mining roots by the river Orkla. Operations start at Løkken Mine in Trøndelag.
1904
Orkla Grube-Aktiebolag is born. Taking over the operation of Løkken Mine.
1929
Orkla becomes a publicly listed company.
1941
Orkla Industrier begins building it's investment portfolio.
1975
Orkla establishes an office in Oslo with the aim of expanding Orkla's industrial platform.
1986
Orkla mergers with Borregaard with core areas in branded consumer goods, chemicals, and financial investments.
1991
The merger with Nora Industrier forms the foundation for Orkla's Nordic focus on branded consumer goods.
1995
Orkla acquires Procordia Food and Abba Seafood in Sweden. The Swedish brewery Pripps and Norwegian Ringnes merge, becoming jointly owned by Orkla and Volvo.
2000
Orkla acquires a 40 per cent ownership stake in Carlsberg Breweries and purchases the Danish media company Berlingske Media.
2004
Carlsberg Breweries is sold.
2005
Orkla acquires Elkem/Sapa and Chips Abp.
2006
Orkla Media is sold.
2007
Orkla becomes the largest shareholder in Renewable Energy Corporation (REC), with 40 per cent of the shares. Orkla also acquires MTR Foods in India.
2011
Orkla announces that its strategic focus will be on growth in branded consumer goods. This includes the sale of Elkem and the majority of Orkla's share portfolio and other assets outside its core area.
2012
Orkla enters into agreements to acquire the Norwegian branded goods companies Jordan and Rieber & Søn.
2013
Orkla sells its existing shares in REC.
2014
Orkla enters into an agreement to acquire NP Foods Group, making Orkla one of the largest suppliers of branded consumer goods to the grocery trade in the Baltics. Orkla launches IPO of Gränges.
2015
Orkla sells remaining shares in Gränges AB.
2021
Orkla acquires Eastern Condiments Private Limited in India, doubling its revenue in the country. Orkla also acquires NutraQ, New York Pizza, and Noí Siríus.
2023
Orkla ASA transforms into an industrial investment company. Owner of strong brands and consumer-oriented companies.
2024
Lilleborg is sold.
2025
Hydro power portfolio and Pierre Robert Group are sold.
