100 Years of continual development
A century has now passed since two far-sighted young engineers, Arvid Bergman and Fritz Beving, predicted a rapid growth for Swedish industry and the subsequent need for a company that specialised in import of technical products. This far-sightedness has continued throughout the entire history of Bergman & Beving, from 1906 to the present day, when the group leads the restructuring of the trade in industrial consumables and components in the Nordic region.
1906 The two engineers, Arvid Bergman and Fritz Beving, founded the company. The two men, who became acquainted while studying in Germany, realised the need for a technical agency in Sweden.
The 1920s and ‘30s Despite the World War and the great Depression, the business develops positively and extends its product range. In the spring of 1940, engineer Knut Stenberg became part owner.
1947 Arvid Bergman and Fritz Beving retire from the executive operations and appoint Knut Stenberg as President.
1956 Bergman & Beving celebrates its 50th anniversary. The same year, the business moves to new premises at Karlavägen 76, where the headquarters still remain. Arvid Bergman dies the following year, and Fritz Beving in 1958. Executive vice president Carl T. Säve becomes part owner.
1960–1970 The period is characterised by the rapid transition from mechanical technology to electronic solutions, and Bergman & Beving strengthens its position, among other things through acquisitions.
1976 Bergman & Beving is listed on the Stockholm Stock exchange on 15 November 1976. The company has revenues of approximately mSeK 150 per year, and has more than 200 employees.
1980–1990 During the 1980s, Bergman & Beving’s business is characterised by strong growth in volumes and earnings, in addition to a number of successful corporate acquisitions.
1994 The foundations for today’s core business are laid by the acquisition of the trading group, engros ab Ferro with its subsidiaries Luna, Essve and Järnia.
2001 The Bergman & Beving group has revenues of more than SeK 9 billion per year.
In order to refine the business, the group is split into three independent, listed companies: Bergman & Beving, addtech and Lagercrantz group. After the split, Bergman & Beving’s annual revenues amount to approximately SeK 3.9 billion.
2002 The decision is made for a new strategically refined concentration on tools and consumables for the industrial and construction sectors.
2003 The Nordic region’s largest chain for resellers of industrial consumables, TOOLS, is established. The chain is currently represented in more than 150 locations.
2004 During the spring of 2004, momentum, one of the largest suppliers of industrial components in Sweden, is acquired.
2004 During the spring of 2004, momentum, one of the largest suppliers of industrial components in Sweden, is acquired.
2005 Through the sale of the business area mediTech, the group’s operations are refined.
The market position is strengthened through acquisitions of additional industrial reseller businesses, including Sjögren industrihandel in Gothenburg.
2006 Bergman & Beving can summarize 100 years of continual development – “a good beginning”.
2007 the Group changes its name to B&B TOOLS. The motive is to create a more distinct kinship between the business in TOOLS, the industrial reseller chain, and the publicly traded parent company.
Presidents
During Bergman & Beving’s 100 years of operation the company has only had seven presidents. Apart from the founders, these are: Knut Stenberg (1947–1964), Carl T Säve (1964–1980), Pär Stenberg (1980– 1990), Anders Börjesson (1990–2001), and the current President & CEO, Stefan Wigren (2001–).