The state as a company owner

The Swedish state is an important company owner in Sweden. The Swedish Government Offices administer 55 companies, of which 42 are wholly owned and 13 partly owned. These companies represent substantial values and are large employers. Furthermore, they are ultimately the common property of all Swedish taxpayers. The state therefore has a considerable responsibility to be an active and professional owner.

The Government´s overarching objective is that these companies should create value and, where applicable, comply with the special societal interests. It is important that the state manages its ownership role in a responsible way. As long as these companies are owned by the state, they shall continue to be actively managed with the creation of value as the overarching objective. State control must also be clear and well-focused. A professional and structured board nomination process together with effective and active work on the board are important components of this work. Other important tools of owner control are transparency and an efficient capital structure.

Part of being an active and responsible owner is to divest companies when there is no longer a reason for continued ownership.

In 2006 the aggregated turnover for the state-owned companies amounted to SEK 339 billion and the net profit amounted to SEK 55.3 billion. The dividend of the companies for the financial year 2006 amounted to just over SEK 37 million. The value of the state-owned companies administered totalled around SEK 770 billion in June 2007.

Like other companies in the market, the state-owned companies encounter stiff competition and a rapidly changing business environment. The Government´s ownership administration shall therefore be clear and open and continuously adapted to the increased and changing demands made.

The state-owned companies are subject to the same legislation as privately-owned companies. Decisions concerning the companies comply with administrative rules at the Swedish Government Offices. When considering matters, the regulatory framework for public access and secrecy are applied, among other things.

Like other company owners the government has different tools to influence the companies. In the State ownership policy the government present its position on certain important principles on the administration of the state-owned companies, among other things the view on the AGM, the board, the financial reporting, the executive management and their remunerations.

Please read more about the Government´s commission, framework and State ownership policy in the Annual Report State-owned companies 2006.

Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications (email to the Ministry)
Published 26 April 2004
Last updated 18 June 2009