The state as a company owner

The Swedish state is an important company owner in Sweden. The Swedish Government Offices manage 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 to achieve the best possible value development in the state-owned companies and, where relevant, efficient performance of the public-service assignments. It is important that the state manages its ownership role in a responsible way. State control must also be clear and well-focused. A professional and structured board nomination process together with effective and active work on the boards are important components of this work. Other important tools of owner control are transparency and an efficient capital str

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

In 2011 the aggregated turnover for the state-owned companies amounted to SEK 337 billion and the net profit amounted to SEK 40.8 billion. The dividend of the companies for the financial year 2011 amounted to almost SEK 28 billion. The value of the state-owned companies administered totaled around SEK 580 billion in June 2012.

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 2011.

Ministry of Finance (email to the Ministry)
Published 26 April 2004
Last updated 18 February 2013