Early Life
Mats Paulsson was born on May 1, 1944, in Sweden. In 1957, at the age of 14, he and his older brother Erik started a waste management company to serve local farmers.
Rise to Success
The waste management company later became PEAB. In 1970, the company expanded into construction, which became its main focus. PEAB is listed on the Stockholm stock exchange. In 1975, Mats and Erik acquired the Sälen ski resort, now listed as Skistar, the largest ski resort in Scandinavia. Erik Paulsson sold his remaining shares in PEAB in 2014 and currently owns stakes in several spinoffs focused on property management.
Key Business Strategies
The core of Paulsson's success lies in the growth and expansion of PEAB, focusing on the construction industry. His strategy included expanding into construction, as well as a long-term vision to acquire and manage successful businesses such as Skistar.
Philanthropy
Mats Paulsson is known for his extensive philanthropic efforts. In memory of his son Stefan, who died of cancer in 2008, Paulsson donates to research and gives cancer patients and their families free ski vacations. He has also established the Mats Paulsson Foundations, which have donated over SEK 258 million to academic research, particularly in the field of life sciences. These foundations support research and innovation to improve human life and health, and also contribute to the Medicon Village research park.
