1904 CE
Orkla Grube-Aktiebolag Founded
Orkla Grube-Aktiebolag is established to operate the Orkla mine in Norway, focusing on pyrite and copper extraction. #history #mining
Chronological Storyline (31 Milestones)
1912 CE
Listed on Oslo Stock Exchange
Orkla shares are first traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange, providing capital for expansion. #finance
1929 CE
Acquisition of Thamshavn Railway
Orkla acquires the Thamshavn Railway to improve transport of ore to export ports. #industry
1943 CE
Diversification into Hydroelectric Power
Orkla begins construction of hydroelectric power plants to supply its mining operations, later becoming a major electricity producer. #energy
1964 CE
First Major Chocolate Acquisition
Orkla acquires the Norwegian chocolate manufacturer Nidar, marking entry into consumer goods. #food
1971 CE
Acquisition of Borregaard
Orkla acquires the specialty chemicals and wood processing company Borregaard, expanding into chemicals. #chemicals
By PeltonMan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81399461
1986 CE
Orkla Acquires Nora Industrier
Orkla merges with Nora Industrier, a Norwegian consumer goods firm, creating a leading Nordic food and beverage group. #merger #food
1991 CE
Divestment of Mining Operations
Orkla sells its mining division, including the Orkla mine, to focus on industrial and consumer businesses. #restructuring
1992 CE
Acquisition of Procordia Food
Orkla buys the Swedish food company Procordia, strengthening its Nordic market position. #acquisition #food
1995 CE
Formation of Orkla Brands
Orkla restructures its consumer goods businesses under the Orkla Brands division, unifying brand management. #branding
1997 CE
Acquisition of Rieber & Søn
Orkla acquires the Norwegian food and industrial group Rieber & Søn, adding brands like Rieber. #acquisition
By Riber & søn - https://www.ba.no/vis/annonse/trondmohngames-2024/300-meter-kvinner/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149854316
2001 CE
Divestment of Borregaard
Orkla sells Borregaard to focus on branded consumer goods, exiting specialty chemicals. #divestment
2003 CE
Acquisition of Sapa Group
Orkla acquires Sapa, a leading European producer of aluminium profiles, entering the building systems market. #aluminium
2005 CE
Founding of Orkla Foods
Orkla reorganizes its food division as Orkla Foods, consolidating Nordic and Baltic food operations. #food #organization
2006 CE
Acquisition of Felix and Abba
Orkla buys the Swedish food brands Felix and Abba from Procordia, expanding in Scandinavia. #acquisition
2008 CE
Acquisition of Kohberg Bakery Group
Orkla acquires the Danish bakery group Kohberg, strengthening its bread and pastry segment. #bakery
2010 CE
Orkla Divests Sapa to Hydro
Orkla sells its aluminium division Sapa to Norsk Hydro, exiting the building systems business. #divestment
2012 CE
Acquisition of Kung Markatta
Orkla acquires the Swedish organic food brand Kung Markatta, entering the organic market. #organic #acquisition
2013 CE
Restructuring into Three Divisions
Orkla restructures into Orkla Foods, Orkla Care, and Orkla Confectionery & Snacks. #restructuring
2014 CE
Acquisition of GT Treats
Orkla buys the French confectionery company GT Treats, expanding in Europe. #confectionery
2015 CE
Acquisition of Indian Brand Chitale
Orkla acquires a majority stake in Chitale Group's consumer products business, entering India. #emergingmarkets
2016 CE
Divestment of Orkla Confectionery & Snacks
Orkla sells its confectionery division to focus on core food and care businesses. #divestment
2017 CE
Acquisition of Denofa
Orkla buys the Norwegian seed company Denofa, expanding in plant-based oils. #acquisition
2018 CE
Launch of Sustainability Programme
Orkla launches a comprehensive sustainability strategy, including climate targets and sustainable sourcing. #sustainability
2019 CE
Acquisition of Harris Tea
Orkla acquires the US tea brand Harris Tea, expanding in North America. #acquisition
2020 CE
Sale of Orkla Care to CVC Capital Partners
Orkla divests Orkla Care, including brands like Colgate and Zalo, to focus on food. #divestment
2021 CE
Acquisition of Ahlgrens and Läkerol
Orkla buys the Swedish candy brands Ahlgrens and Läkerol, reinforcing its confectionery portfolio. #acquisition
2022 CE
New Leadership: CEO Nils K. Selte
Nils K. Selte takes over as CEO, succeeding Peter A. Ruzicka, with a focus on growth and efficiency. #leadership
2023 CE
Divestment of Orkla India
Orkla sells its Indian subsidiary to local management, exiting the Indian market. #divestment
2024 CE
Acquisition of Kavli's Norwegian Operations
Orkla acquires the Norwegian food business of Kavli, adding cheese and dairy brands. #acquisition
2025 CE
Orkla Reaches 40% Renewable Energy in Operations
Orkla announces major renewable energy milestone, reducing carbon footprint significantly. #sustainability