Hexagon

About Hexagon

Hexagon is a global technology company that provides sensor, software, and autonomous solutions. Essentially, they create a digital twin of the physical world, allowing industries like manufacturing, construction, and mining to improve efficiency and quality. The company's story, however, doesn't start with tech. Its predecessor, Eken Industri och Handel AB, was founded in Sweden in 1975 as a sprawling conglomerate with interests in everything from seafood imports to vehicle hydraulics. The pivotal moment came in 1998 when financier Melker Schörling acquired a controlling stake and initiated a strategic shift. In 2000, he appointed Ola Rollén as CEO, who began a radical transformation. Under Rollén's leadership, Hexagon shed its diverse holdings and went on an acquisition spree, targeting precision measurement and software companies. Key milestones include acquiring metrology firm Brown & Sharpe in 2001 and, significantly, the Swiss giant Leica Geosystems in 2005. The 2010 purchase of software company Intergraph for $2.1 billion further solidified its focus on creating integrated sensor and software solutions. This aggressive "buy-and-build" strategy involved over 170 acquisitions between 2000 and 2022, reshaping the company entirely. Today, Hexagon is a leader in digital reality solutions, publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stockholm. After Ola Rollén stepped down as CEO at the end of 2022, the company has seen further leadership changes, with Anders Svensson taking the helm in 2025. Now, Hexagon is planning its next evolution, preparing to spin off its asset lifecycle and software divisions into a separate company, continuing its dynamic journey of strategic transformation.