Continuity
Employees should not notice that NDC is the new owner
We only invest in well-run companies, and we want the CEO and the management team to keep running the business exactly as before.
NDC will be a group of independent companies. There is no consolidation or integration of any kind. Nor do we ask the companies we buy to implement new systems, replace their own people with centralised functions, or spend time on group projects.
Having NDC as the main owner gives employees job security. There is no risk of future mergers or relocations.
When the CEO wants to step down, we prefer succession to be planned well in advance and, where possible, through internal recruitment to secure continuity. We also hope the CEO will want to stay on with NDC and work with us on supporting the companies we buy.
Decentralised management
Synergies are often overrated
We believe more in preserving an entrepreneurial culture than in building a corporate structure. Over time every company runs into difficulties, and we believe smaller companies handle them faster than large groups.
NDC does not get involved in the day-to-day running of the companies we buy. Operational responsibility sits with the CEO of each company.
What NDC contributes is first and foremost capital when a company wants to invest, in organic growth as well as acquisitions. We are also happy to be a sounding board for those who want one.
Even though each company stays independent, many will appreciate being part of a larger family. It can be lonely at the top, and as NDC grows you will get to know others in the same position. Many management challenges are the same across sectors.
Extreme long-termism
We hold every investment for good
NDC has permanent capital and only invests in companies we want to keep for good.
Most investors buy companies with the aim of selling them again, typically after three to seven years. We believe that model can come at the expense of what is best for the company in the long run.
At NDC we do not manage for the next quarterly report or annual accounts. We only consider what is best for our long-term investors.