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With the mission to build the future legs of Axel Johnson

In 10 years, at least 50% of Axel Johnson’s revenue will derive from new business areas with a 50% reduced impact on our planet. Novax’ mission is to identify new industries and build successful businesses with the ambition to become the future of Axel Johnson.

Our mission

Novax is part of Axel Johnson—a family-owned business group with a long history of entrepreneurship and a presence across multiple industries.

A defining thread in Axel Johnson’s history is its ability to embrace change—an ethos that also drives Novax. Our mission is to invest in and support small and mid-sized growth companies that are, or have the potential to become, industry leaders and innovators of future-ready technologies, products, and services.

Across the group, our shared ambition is clear: to help build businesses that contribute to a stronger, more sustainable society.

Our philosophy

We are active, long-term owners with a clear focus on growth. Backed by deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience, we bring dedication, high ambition, and the resources needed to help our companies realize their vision.

Beyond capital, we offer an ecosystem of knowledge, competence, and talent. Our sector expertise and long-term perspective enable us to see potential beyond traditional business plans and planning horizons. This makes us a trusted partner for growth companies and ambitious management teams.

Novax operational partnership

Meaningful investments

Long-Term Perspective
Our long-term approach gives us the time, flexibility, and resources to focus on what truly benefits a company over time. It enables us to act with patience and conviction—looking beyond traditional planning cycles and short-term metrics.By committing for the long haul, we create stability for our companies and align our success with theirs. When our companies thrive, so do we.

Sustainability
We invest in companies that can create long-term value—economically, socially, and environmentally. We look for sound values and cultures rooted in responsibility, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable growth.Sustainability is central to our business strategy. We actively promote resource-efficient models, responsible production, inclusive workplaces, and value-driven leadership—because we believe these elements are essential for enduring success. We’re continuously seeking forward-thinking growth companies that share our ambition to build a better future.

Do you want to present your company and learn more about how we work? Get in touch!
More about sustainability

Axel Johnson is a family business founded in 1873, now run by the fourth and fifth generations of the Johnson family.

Axel Johnson builds and develops profitable businesses in trade and services across the European market, with a focus on the Nordic region. Together, our operations employ approximately 24,000 people, and we are trading partners with thousands of companies worldwide. In 2021, Axel Johnson's consolidated net sales were approximately 95 billion Swedish kronor, making Axel Johnson one of the largest companies in the Nordics.

With trade as its foundation, the group has evolved in shape and form over the years. However, the commitment to change, combined with the long-term development of profitable businesses, has remained steadfast. This is the business tradition that Axel Johnson continues to build upon.