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CEO Interview: Q4 2025 Performance and Strategic Roadmap

Acenta Group’s CEO, Håkan Tollefsen, recently sat down with Kalqyl for an in-depth interview regarding the Q4 2025 results and the company’s current position.

In the interview, Tollefsen discusses the key drivers behind the past year’s growth and provides a detailed look at the company’s financial and operational development.

Key topics covered in the discussion:

  • Financial Performance: Insights into gross margins, cost structures, and the growth achieved during the year.

  • Leasing & Pipeline: How Acenta’s leasing models and current order pipeline are shaping financial development moving forward.

  • International Expansion: A look at new agreements, strategic partnerships, and the global demand for padel infrastructure.

  • Operations & Strategy: An update on delivery capacity, product strategy, and the current market outlook for the industry.

Watch the full interview below:

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Acenta Group: Full Year Report 2025 – Entering a New Phase of Growth

We are pleased to announce the release of the Acenta Group Full Year Report for 2025. This past year has marked a significant turning point for the company, characterized by strong financial performance, the successful implementation of our leasing model, and a strategic expansion into new international markets.

Below, our CEO Håkan Tollefsen reflects on the key milestones of 2025 and shares our strategic outlook for the year ahead.


A WORD FROM THE CEO

Financial performance For the full year 2025, revenue amounted to SEK 20.1 million, exceeding the previously communicated guidance range. This performance demonstrates the Company’s ability to execute on its strategic priorities and convert its commercial pipeline into realized revenue. It reflects strong customer demand, successful implementation of our leasing model, and improved operational execution throughout the year.

The fourth quarter in particular represented a key inflection point, with revenue of SEK 6.4 million, significantly above prior quarter. This performance reflects the initial revenue recognition from long-term leasing agreements, including the partnership with Padel 100, and confirms the transition from contract signing to active installation and revenue generation.

Together, these results signal that the Company has entered a new phase of commercial traction. With a growing base of contracted installations, Acenta is building a more predictable and scalable revenue foundation, positioning the Company for continued profitable growth and improved financial stability in the coming periods.

Commercial agreements and partnerships As mentioned earlier, during the fourth quarter, our long-term partnership in Ireland entered its implementation phase, with the first 11 courts delivered and installed, initiating recurring cash-flow generation under the leasing agreement. This milestone represents more than a completed delivery, it validates our leasing model not only operationally but also financially. The structure of the agreement enables revenue recognition upon delivery, while securing long-term payment commitments from the customer, demonstrating both commercial strength and financial robustness in the model.

We further strengthened our European financing platform during the quarter. Through our partnership with Hoenen Leasing, Acenta entered the DACH region, establishing a structured leasing framework across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In parallel, our agreement with GSM Finance enhanced our funding capabilities in the United Kingdom.

Operations, product and digital strategy Q4 also reflected continued expansion of our product and retail footprint. The launch of our first Sport of Padel Retail store in Norway, under the agreement with Moss Padelsenter, marked a significant step in building a vertically integrated padel offering, combining infrastructure, distribution and brand presence at club level.

Our exclusive distribution agreements with premium brands such as Cuera, Wear’N’Go, Respira™ and NXPadel further strengthened our position across the value chain and supported our international ambitions.

A strategically important event was the acquisition and integration of Padelappen, providing the technological foundation for the Sport of Padel App. The platform is currently being reengineered to align with the Sport of Padel vision, creating a scalable digital ecosystem designed to connect players, clubs and operators within a unified environment. This initiative opens opportunities for new revenue streams over time.

During the latter part of the year, Acenta initiated the strengthening of its operational infrastructure, this includes the implementation of CRM and financial consolidation tools, as well as the internal standardization of key processes across sales, operations and finance. This work will continue into 2026 and is expected to establish a robust operational foundation to support the Company’s increasing operational scale.

Future outlook Looking ahead to 2026, our focus is execution and scaling. The partnerships and financing structures established during 2025 now form the basis for increased rollout activity, particularly as long-term contracts mature and additional installations enter the revenue phase under structured leasing agreements. As this development continues, leasing and structured payment models are expected to represent an increasing share of our revenue mix. We see a strong pipeline within this segment, supported by increasing demand from existing customers and new market opportunities, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and improved revenue visibility.

After the end of the period, Acenta expanded its exclusive distribution agreement with NXPadel to include Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, strengthening our international infrastructure footprint. In January 2026, we also signed a five-year exclusive partnership agreement with Court Culture Pty Ltd covering the same region. The agreement includes a long-term target of 300 courts and establishes a substantial pipeline in one of the world’s most promising emerging padel markets.

Acenta enters 2026 with strong ambition and a clear focus on building robust operational processes and establishing a solid financial structure to support future growth. During the past year, the Company has laid important groundwork, and the priority going forward is to create a stable foundation and scalable organization to enable accelerated execution and international expansion over time.

Håkan Tollefsen CEO, Acenta Group AB

Read the full report here

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Acenta Group establishes exclusive partnership agent platform in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania

Acenta Group continues to strengthen its international footprint with a new exclusive partnership agent agreement covering Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. Through its subsidiary Acenta Equity Partners AB, the Group has entered into a five-year agreement with Australian-based Court Culture Pty Ltd, granting the company exclusive rights to represent and commercialise Acenta Group’s padel ecosystem across the region.

The partnership positions Court Culture as Acenta Group’s exclusive agent for padel court sales and commercial development, including resale and rent-to-buy solutions. In addition to court infrastructure, the agreement also encompasses distribution of Acenta Group’s product offering through Sport of Padel and Peliga, as well as the right to operate Acenta Padel Tour on a regional basis under a royalty-based structure.

A central ambition of the partnership is long-term market development. The agreement includes a target for Court Culture to purchase and resell a minimum of 300 padel courts over a five-year period, reflecting both the scale of the opportunity and the parties’ shared focus on building a sustainable padel market in the region. An option to extend the agreement for an additional five years is included, subject to mutually agreed performance milestones.

From a commercial perspective, the partnership is designed to generate revenues across multiple areas of Acenta Group’s business. These include padel court sales, rent-to-buy programmes, product distribution through Sport of Padel and Peliga, and royalty income linked to Acenta Padel Tour operations. Court installation and project execution will be handled locally by Court Culture, ensuring proximity to customers and regional market expertise. The agreement also includes a framework to support rent-to-buy financing solutions, including joint efforts to source a suitable licensed finance partner in the region.

The collaboration further strengthens Acenta Group’s strategic platform in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, following the Company’s previously announced expansion of exclusive NXPadel distribution and installation rights in the same markets. Together, these initiatives support Acenta Group’s ambition to build long-term infrastructure capacity and broaden its offering in high-growth padel markets outside Europe.

“This agreement is a major strategic step for Acenta Group and strengthens our ability to scale not only padel court infrastructure, but also our broader ecosystem across products and branded concepts – including Sport of Padel, Peliga and Acenta Padel Tour. By partnering with Court Culture, we combine Acenta Group’s international infrastructure expertise with strong local market knowledge and execution capacity. We see exceptional long-term potential in the region and look forward to building long-term value together,” says Håkan Tollefsen, CEO of Acenta Group AB.

“Australia, New Zealand and Oceania are markets where active lifestyle and participation are deeply rooted. Through our exclusive partnership with Acenta, we can provide a turnkey, one-stop solution that makes it easier for clubs, hotels, universities and schools to establish world-class padel facilities. At Court Culture, we design, build and operate sports and recreation concepts that transform venues and underused spaces into vibrant destinations for sport, wellness and community connection – and we believe this partnership will play an important role in accelerating padel’s growth across the region,” says Andrew Blake, Director at Court Culture Pty Ltd.

With this partnership in place, Acenta Group takes another step toward building a scalable, integrated padel platform across key international growth regions.

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Acenta Group Expands NXPadel Partnership into Australia, New Zealand and Oceania

Acenta Group continues to strengthen its international presence within premium padel infrastructure by expanding its exclusive distribution partnership with Italian padel court manufacturer NXPadel. Through its subsidiary Acenta Equity Partners AB, the company now holds exclusive rights to distribute and install NXPadel courts in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.

The expansion marks a significant step in Acenta Group’s long-term growth strategy and builds on the existing five-year distribution agreement between the parties. Previously, the agreement covered the Nordics, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany and Poland. The structure of the agreement allows for exclusivity to be extended to additional markets over time, supporting a phased and strategic global rollout.

By combining NXPadel’s fiberglass-based court technology with Acenta Group’s operational expertise in emerging padel markets, the partnership aims to deliver premium, scalable court solutions to clubs, operators and investors in regions where padel is experiencing rapid growth.

“The expansion of our exclusive distribution agreement with Acenta Group to include Australia, New Zealand and Oceania is not simply an extension of territories – it is a decisive move in the partnership’s global strategy. We are pushing our footprint well beyond Europe with a clear ambition: to set the benchmark for padel court quality, performance, and service in every market we enter. Acenta Group has already proven its ability to represent NXPadel at the highest level across seven countries, delivering excellence not only in product distribution but in project execution, technical expertise, and customer experience,” says Luca and Nicola Ceresoli, Founders of NXPadel S.r.l.

The Oceania region represents a particularly attractive opportunity for premium padel infrastructure, with strong interest from clubs, real estate developers and institutional operators. Australia, in particular, is seen as an early-stage but fast-developing padel market, supported by high purchasing power, a strong racket-sport culture and increasing demand for premium fitness concepts.

“In our strategic plan, international expansion and infrastructure development go hand in hand. Expanding our collaboration with NXPadel into Australia, New Zealand and Oceania is a natural next step in building long-term value within the premium segment, where padel continues to grow rapidly. Together, we are strengthening our global platform and creating the conditions to deliver world-class court projects in new growth markets,” says Carsten Johansen, Managing Director for Global Operations at Acenta Group AB.

Beyond near-term market opportunities, the expansion is also aligned with broader developments in international sport. The agreement is considered strategically relevant in light of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, where padel could potentially be included as part of the programme.

“Securing exclusivity in Australia, New Zealand and Oceania is an important strategic step for Acenta Group. Australia represents an early-stage but rapidly emerging padel market, supported by high purchasing power, a strong racket-sport culture and growing demand for premium fitness concepts. With limited existing infrastructure and increasing interest from clubs, real estate developers and institutional operators, the region offers attractive conditions for scalable court deployment and long-term value creation. The agreement is also highly relevant in the context of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, where padel could be included as part of the programme. More broadly, padel’s increasing institutional recognition is expected to further accelerate infrastructure demand,” says Håkan Tollefsen, CEO of Acenta Group AB.

With this expansion, Acenta Group and NXPadel further reinforce their shared ambition to establish a global benchmark for premium padel courts, combining advanced technology, operational excellence and long-term market development.

For more information about NXPadel, please visit: https://www.nxpadel.com/en/

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Acenta Welcomes Marius Eckmann as New Head of Sales

Acenta is pleased to announce the appointment of Marius Eckmann as the company’s new Head of Sales. With a strong background in the fashion and textile industry, combined with deep experience in international wholesale and retail, Marius brings valuable expertise to Acenta’s continued growth.

His entrepreneurial mindset, commercial understanding, and hands-on experience make him a strong addition to the team.

In addition to his professional background, Marius is also a top-level padel player in Norway, giving him first-hand insight into the sport, its community, and the demands of both players and partners. This unique combination of industry knowledge and on-court experience aligns perfectly with Acenta’s vision.

We are very happy to welcome Marius to the team. His experience in international sales, brand development, and his passion for padel will be instrumental as we continue to expand and strengthen our position in the market.

Marius Eckmann is enthusiastic about his new role and the journey ahead:

“Acenta is a company with great ambition and strong values. I’m excited to contribute with my experience in wholesale, retail, and brand building, and to help take the company to the next level together with the team.”

With Marius joining as Head of Sales, Acenta reinforces its commitment to growth, professionalism, and long-term development across all markets.

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Acenta Welcomes Hans-Peter Brugger as New Sales Executive for Germany, Austria & Switzerland

Acenta is proud to announce the addition of Hans-Peter Brugger as our new Sales Executive for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (the DACH region). This marks an important step in strengthening our presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic and fast-growing padel markets.

Hans-Peter joins Acenta with a long-standing connection to the sports community. His background spans multiple disciplines — including ice hockey, alpine skiing, tennis, and football — giving him a deep understanding of athlete needs and a natural ability to build strong relationships.

In his new role, Hans-Peter will support clubs, investors, and facility owners throughout the DACH region, helping them navigate court selection, infrastructure planning, and long-term expansion strategies. His passion for sport, combined with his broad network and commitment to quality, makes him a strong addition to the Acenta team.

With padel continuing to rise rapidly across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Acenta is committed to providing world-class expertise, scalable solutions, and hands-on support to both new and established venues. The addition of Hans-Peter ensures even stronger regional presence and local guidance for our partners.

We look forward to a successful journey together and to further expanding the padel community throughout the DACH region.

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Acenta Nears Completion of Padel Project at Klæbu Padel og Golf

Acenta’s installation team is entering the final phase of yet another high-quality padel project — this time at Klæbu Padel og Golf, located just outside Trondheim. The build has progressed smoothly, and the courts are expected to be completed during the first week of December, right on schedule.

The project includes the full installation of Acenta’s premium padel court systems, delivered with the same precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail that define our work across Europe. From structural assembly and turf preparation to finishing touches, our installation specialists have ensured an efficient process without compromising on quality.

The timing couldn’t be better. With the courts nearing completion in early December, players at Klæbu Padel og Golf will be able to enjoy Christmas padel and kick off the winter season with a brand-new facility tailored for both recreational and competitive play.

The project also reflects Acenta’s broader commitment to supporting the rapid growth of padel. By combining premium court engineering with an experienced installation team, Acenta continues to deliver scalable, long-lasting padel infrastructure to clubs and communities across the region.

We look forward to celebrating the official opening soon — and to seeing Klæbu’s players step onto their new courts for the very first time.

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Kim Jacobsen Joins Acenta to Strengthen International Sales

Acenta is excited to announce that Kim Jacobsen has joined the team as International Sales & Operations. Kim will play a key role in expanding Acenta’s presence in the international padel market.

«I’m thrilled to join Acenta and help expand our international presence. I look forward to connecting with partners around the world and bringing high-quality padel solutions to new markets,» says Kim Jacobsen.

In his new role, Kim will oversee international sales strategies, operations, and partnerships, ensuring that Acenta’s premium padel courts reach clubs and communities worldwide. His expertise will support the company’s mission of building not just courts, but the foundations of thriving padel communities.

Acenta’s team is looking forward to leveraging Kim’s insights and experience to continue delivering innovative, high-quality padel infrastructure across the globe.

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Acenta Group Delivers First Padel Courts in Ireland, Enters Next Phase of Expansion

Acenta Group AB has successfully completed the first deliveries under its exclusive partnership with Irish company Padel Sports 100 Limited, marking a key step in the rollout of padel courts across Ireland. The initial 12 courts have now been installed, initiating revenue generation under the agreement, which is valued at approximately EUR 3.6 million.

The next phase of the project will see 38 additional courts delivered between December 2025 and March 2026, completing the initial 50-court rollout. This milestone is part of a broader nationwide expansion plan by Padel 100, which ultimately aims to establish 100 courts in the current phase, with further growth planned beyond that.

The partnership between Acenta Group and Padel 100, first announced in May 2025, focuses on the leasing and installation of 50 courts over a five-year period. It operates independently from a separate resale agreement covering 120 courts for direct sale and distribution.

As the installations progress, the project is moving into a phase that will generate recurring revenues for Acenta Group, reinforcing its position as a long-term infrastructure partner in Europe’s rapidly growing padel market.

“The successful delivery of the first 12 courts marks an important milestone in our partnership with Padel 100 and demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale padel infrastructure on time and to plan. With the next phase now underway, we are beginning to see the long-term revenue model materialise—confirming the strength of our strategy and our role as a key enabler of Ireland’s padel growth,” said Håkan Tollefsen, CEO of Acenta Group AB.

The completion of these first deliveries signals the transition into the next stage of the Irish rollout, cementing Acenta Group’s role in supporting Padel 100’s ambitious growth strategy.

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Acenta Launches Peliga PRO — A New Standard in High-Performance Padel Balls

Acenta is proud to announce the launch of the Peliga PRO Padel Ball, a premium performance ball designed to meet the demands of modern, fast-paced padel. Developed in close collaboration with elite players and testing partners, Peliga PRO marks a new milestone in Acenta’s commitment to advancing padel product innovation.

Built for speed, precision, and durability, Peliga PRO delivers explosive bounce, consistent pressure, and maximum responsiveness — offering players a fast yet controlled feel throughout the match. With its firm performance profile and optimized materials, the ball is engineered to handle intense rallies, power-driven play, and long-lasting match conditions.

Early testers have highlighted its lively bounce, stability over time, and suitability for competitive environments.

With padel continuing to grow rapidly worldwide, Acenta remains dedicated to providing innovative products that inspire and empower players at all levels.

The Peliga PRO Padel Ball is now available for purchase at sportofpadel.com.