Plena was founded 1980 by three parties: Lars Sjöborg, a private partner and a Swiss bank. The name Plena is derived from the Latin word “in plenum”. The first 10 years saw a rapid growth both in terms of assets and revenue of the group. With the acquisition of Yxhult, specializing in aerated concrete, and its daughter company, Ytong came a larger and more rapid international expansion.

During the 1980’s Plena entered sectors including printing and newspaper, wood processing, mining and quarrying, building materials, sportswear design and production, healthcare product distribution, and furniture. The majority of investments were made in Scandinavia.

By 1990, Lars had taken over the Plena Group. During 1990’s Plena diversified even further. Investments were made from the Far East to America. Expansion into new sectors included designer clothes, fund management, and oil & gas. Additional investments were also made in existing sectors like building materials, healthcare and furniture. During the 1990’s Plena sold it’s most successful investment to date, Ytong AG (Germany), to RMC PLC (UK).

Family involvement increased in Plena with a new generation taking over the day to day running of the operation. The decade has started with group consolidation in sectors and its geographical spread. Industries in which Plena now operates are building material solutions, healthcare and real estate. It has furthermore concentrated its investments to Scandinavia, South East Europe and Middle East.