This report explores why Sweden stands out globally in outbound dealmaking and how Swedish acquirers can adapt their M&A strategies to a more complex and competitive international environment. Swedish companies operate with a structural constraint: limited domestic scale and weak organic growth. As a result, acquisitions have become a core lever to sustain competitiveness, expand internationally, and access new capabilities.
Sweden’s outbound footprint is exceptional relative to economic size, supported by a distinct M&A model built on credibility, long-term orientation, and decentralised ownership. That model has been particularly effective in founder-led and mid-market segments where trust and autonomy matter.
But the environment is shifting. Capability-driven deals are becoming more central as companies pursue technology, specialised expertise, and talent that cannot be built organically at the speed required. At the same time, geopolitical fragmentation, regulatory divergence, and intense competition for high-quality assets are raising the demands on deal sourcing, decision-making speed, and post-merger integration. Download the report to explore the key patterns and strategic priorities for Swedish acquirers.
About the report
Growth Beyond the Nordics is Business Sweden’s first global M&A report, offering an outward-looking perspective on Sweden’s cross-border acquisition footprint and what it takes to sustain momentum internationally.
The report is based on cross-border M&A data and Business Sweden’s on-the-ground experience supporting Swedish acquirers across international markets, with insights drawn from both quantitative analysis and first-hand work with companies throughout the deal cycle.
