Insights
A selection of case studies demonstrating how we help businesses drive growth, navigate complex challenges, and strengthen their strategic position through focused advisory and hands-on execution.
Turnaround & Crisis Management
Manufacturing · Central Jutland
From Technical Insolvency to Positive Equity in 18 Months
A family-owned manufacturing company with 80+ employees faced an acute liquidity crisis, rising trade payables, and a board of directors without a clear action plan in 2024. We were appointed as an advisor with a mandate to stabilize and restructure.
Turnover: 145 million DKK · Duration: 18 months · Task type: Operational management
Our efforts began with a structured 30-day analysis of cash flow, supplier relationships and organizational capacity. Based on this, we established a prioritized action program with three tracks: liquidity protection, cost reduction and commercial restart. We assisted the management with negotiations with the core bank and secured a restructured credit facility. In parallel, a selective reduction in the product portfolio was implemented and a new sales manager was recruited with a focus on the most profitable customer segments.
Result: The company achieved positive EBITDA after 11 months and positive equity within the agreed framework. The owner family retained full control and avoided external capital injection.
Strategi & Growth
Professional Services · Fyn
Strategic Repositioning and Market Expansion in a Mature Market
An established advisory firm was experiencing stagnant growth and increasing price pressure from low-cost competitors. The owner sought to differentiate the business and identify new growth opportunities without compromising the existing client base.
Revenue: DKK 38M · Duration: 9 Months · Engagement Type: Strategic Advisory
Our approach was based on a detailed analysis of client profitability, competitive positioning, and underlying market trends. The analysis revealed that a specific customer segment generated 68% of gross profit while accounting for only 30% of revenue. Based on these insights, we developed a focused growth strategy prioritizing this segment, supported by a revised pricing model and an enhanced service offering targeting mid-sized companies across the Nordic region.
Result: Revenue within the target segment increased by 41% during the first 12 months following implementation. Overall gross margin improved from 34% to 47%.
Board Advisory
SaaS / Technology · Greater Copenhagen
Board Professionalization Ahead of Capital Raising
A fast-growing software company preparing for a Series A funding round lacked the governance structure and board composition expected by institutional investors. Our mandate was to prepare the company strategically and organizationally before entering investor discussions.
ARR: DKK 22M · Duration: 6 Months · Engagement Type: Board Advisory & Governance
We conducted a comprehensive board assessment and identified critical competency gaps in finance, sales, and international expansion. We then supported the recruitment of two independent board members and the establishment of a formal advisory board. Governance documentation, decision-making frameworks, and reporting structures were developed to align with investor expectations and best practices. We also participated as advisors during the initial investor meetings.
Result: The company successfully completed a DKK 28M Series A funding round six months after project initiation. Investors specifically highlighted the strength of the board and governance framework as key factors in their investment decision.
CEO & Leadership Transition
Manufacturing industry · North Jutland
Stabilisation and new leadership after sudden CEO exit in a manufacturing company
A medium-sized manufacturing company unexpectedly lost its CEO in the middle of a critical delivery season. The board had no succession plan and faced a leadership vacuum that threatened daily operations, customer relationships, and employee trust. Northstone Partners was contacted within 48 hours.
Revenue: 210 million DKK · Duration: 12 months · Assignment type: Interim leadership & recruitment
Our first priority was to ensure stability and continuity. An experienced interim leader from our network stepped into a temporary CEO role within 72 hours, with full mandate from the board. In parallel, we initiated a structured mapping of the company’s management layers, key personnel, and existing succession risks. It became clear that two additional key executive roles were also vulnerable—an issue that had not previously been formally addressed by the board. We facilitated an extraordinary board process to define the desired profile for a permanent CEO, including the strategic priorities the new leader should carry.
Result: The new CEO took office nine months after the departure. The delivery season was completed without significant customer loss. The board subsequently implemented a formal succession plan for the entire executive team.