Erling Persson

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Borlänge, Sweden

DEATH DATE 2002-10-28, Stockholm, Sweden (85 years old)

Nationality Sweden

#61823 Most Popular

1917

Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was the founder of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz).

He got the idea following a post-World War II trip to the United States: He was impressed by the country's efficient, high-volume stores.

1947

He established the company in Västerås, Sweden, in 1947 selling women's clothing, calling it Hennes, Swedish for "hers."

1968

In 1968, Persson acquired the premises and inventory of a Stockholm hunting equipment store named Mauritz Widforss.

1982

In 1982, his son, Stefan Persson took over as the managing director, and today is the chairman of the board.

The Persson family owns about 47% of the company and has a 74% voting rights.

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