AAK Safety: Lasting value through partnership
For AAK Safety, the purpose has always been clear: helping to ensure that people working at height return home safely every day. The Norwegian company specialises in fall protection, combining personal protective equipment, training, height-safety systems and advisory services to address safety-critical challenges at height. When AAK Safety joined Cresto Group and Bergman & Beving in 2017, it did so from a position of strength, with a clear ambition to preserve its identity while continuing to develop as part of a larger group.
Before joining Cresto Group, AAK Safety had already built a strong position in the Norwegian market. The business was growing, its expertise was recognised, and its broad offering supported customers with equipment, training, systems, and consultancy. These strengths made AAK Safety an attractive addition to the group.
A strong partner for a consolidating market
At the time, the market around AAK Safety was changing. Industry consolidation created both opportunities and uncertainty, and the company saw the need for a strong partner moving in the same direction. AAK Safety offered recognised expertise and an established Norwegian market presence, while a larger group could provide stability, a long-term perspective and room to build on what already worked. The priority was to find a partnership capable of creating lasting value for both sides.
Cresto Group and Bergman & Beving stood out because their values aligned with those of AAK Safety. Bergman & Beving’s long-term approach to company development was central to the decision, giving AAK Safety confidence that it could continue evolving without losing the identity, customer focus and specialist expertise that had built its market position.
“We wanted greater predictability and a long-term perspective. Bergman & Beving’s track record of allowing companies to develop over time appealed to us.” – Yngve André Grüner, CEO, AAK Safety
Keeping the brand, culture and direction
Joining a larger group naturally raised questions. AAK Safety wanted to be confident that Cresto Group’s actions after the acquisition would match the intentions expressed during the process. One point was especially important: preserving the AAK Safety brand.
Over time, AAK Safety saw that Cresto Group recognised the company’s real value – its expertise, people, customer relationships, culture and strong Norwegian market position. These strengths added specialist competence and local market presence to the wider group. In return, AAK Safety retained its identity and gained the freedom and backing to continue developing in line with its own strengths.
“Over time, we became confident in Cresto Group and saw the value of being part of a larger organisation with solid long-term ownership.” – Yngve André Grüner, CEO, AAK Safety
More knowledge, broader solutions
Being part of the group has connected AAK Safety with a wider network of expertise, while giving Cresto Group access to AAK Safety’s specialist knowledge, customer insight and experience in the Norwegian market. Together, the companies can address larger and more complex customer challenges without losing the specialist approach that defines AAK Safety. Access to manufacturers and product development has been especially valuable, enabling AAK Safety to help shape solutions that are better adapted to customer needs and that strengthen the group’s overall offering.
“Being close to a manufacturer and contributing to product development helps us create solutions that are closely aligned with our customers’ needs.” – Yngve André Grüner, CEO, AAK Safety
A stronger position in Norway
AAK Safety’s established customer relationships, specialist expertise and local presence have strengthened Cresto Group’s platform in Norway. Together, these capabilities support an offer that combines AAK Safety’s market knowledge with products and resources from across the group.
This offering supports AAK Safety’s practical goal of solving customers’ challenges and providing the products and services they need to work as safely and efficiently as possible.
“We have always had a strong position in the market, and being part of the group has strengthened it further.” – Yngve André Grüner, CEO, AAK Safety
Freedom with responsibility
Looking ahead, AAK Safety aims to remain a trusted partner for its customers by continuing to evolve with changing regulations, needs and expectations. At the same time, the company will preserve the values and culture that define it, while drawing on the expertise and resources of the wider group. This balance between independence and shared strength is central to the value of the partnership.
For executives considering a similar step, AAK Safety’s experience offers a clear takeaway: when values and culture align, joining Cresto Group and Bergman & Beving can create lasting value for both sides. The company joining the group can retain the freedom and responsibility to shape its business, while strengthening the wider group through its expertise, customer relationships, and market presence. A strong partnership is defined not only by what a company gains by joining, but also by the value it continues to contribute.