March 2025

Kristian Svarrer takes the reins as sole owner of the family business

Kristian Svarrer, who has until now been co-owner and CEO of Harbour Group Holding — the company behind several well-known businesses in Esbjerg, including J. Lauritzen’s Eftf., Jutlandia Terminal, and COPCO — has just acquired his older brother’s ownership stake, gaining full ownership of the groupJ. Lauritzen´s Eftf. .

Following the passing of their father, Knud Svarrer, in 2010, brothers Kasper and Kristian Svarrer took over the management of the company. Kristian assumed the role of CEO, and for the past 15 years, he has led the family business, supported by Kasper, who has been an active board member while pursuing a career in the financial sector. Under their leadership, the group has undergone significant modernisation, digitalisation, and business expansion, strengthening its market position.

"Stepping away from the family business feels like the natural final step in a long generational transition. After our father passed away, it was important for me to help establish a solid foundation for a well-run company—not only to support my younger brother, who had ambitions to lead the group, but also to honor the family business passed down to us. But it is thanks to Kristian that we have succeeded, and his leadership has been crucial to the company’s success," says Kasper.

"The group is now entering a new chapter with many business opportunities, and it makes sense for me to step aside at this time. I am in the process of starting my own company, I am 53 years old, and I feel that my work here is done. It is time to give Kristian the opportunity to run the business on his own."

"The company is an important part of our family history and identity, and naturally, it is bittersweet to say goodbye. But I have built a different foundation in my life, and with Kristian as sole owner and CEO, the company is in the best possible hands."

Kasper is stepping down from both ownership and his position on the board.

"Kasper’s expertise from the private equity sector has helped elevate us as a company—both in terms of how we conduct business and how we view markets and the external world," says Kristian.

"As sole owner, I now bear full responsibility. It is a great responsibility. But it also opens up new opportunities, as I can now make decisions independently. Looking back on the past 15 years, I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked closely with my brother. We part on the best possible terms, and I look forward to this new chapter with excitement and anticipation. I am eager to see what the future holds."