AB Göta kanalbolag today announces the acquisition of Hjälmare kanal AB from Sveaskog AB. Hjälmare kanal, Sweden's oldest canal that is still navigable, forms an important water link between Hjälmare and Mälaren. The takeover is planned for the turn of the year 2024–2025.
AB Göta Kanalbolag, owned by the Swedish state, is tasked with operating, managing and promoting tourism along the Göta Canal. The company is expected to take over Hjälmare Kanal AB at the turn of the year.
The acquisition means that AB Göta kanalbolag takes over all shares in Hjälmare kanal AB. Affected full-time employees are offered the opportunity to transfer from Sveaskog to AB Göta kanalbolag.
”We are convinced that our technical and touristic expertise will contribute positively to the continued development of Hjälmare Kanal. We would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new colleagues who will now be part of one of Sweden's largest visitor engines,” says Roger Altsäter, CEO of AB Göta Kanalbolag.
”Through the acquisition, Hjälmare Canal will be given a natural home by the state-owned company that specializes in operating, managing and developing artificial waterways. This guarantees that this historic structure is in safe hands,” says Sveaskog CEO Erik Brandsma.
About Hjälmare channel:
- Hjälmare Canal, which is today an attractive tourist destination, was originally created for sea transport of iron, grain and timber between Hjälmare and Mälaren.
- Hjälmare Canal is mainly used by recreational boats, but during the summer season there are also regular trips by passenger boats.
- The canal has nine hand-drawn locks and is a total of 13,700 meters long, of which 8,500 meters is dug canal.
- The oldest parts of the canal date from the 17th century, and the newer parts were built in the early 19th century in parallel with the construction of the Göta Canal and the formation of AB Göta Canal Company.
According to the press release.
