Nordic tech group 99x Group has acquired Republic Factory AB, a Gothenburg-based digital design and web agency founded in 1998. The acquisition strengthens 99x’s presence in Sweden and the wider Nordic region and adds extensive design expertise and technical craftsmanship to the group.
The transaction means that 99x initially acquires 60% of the shares in Republic Factory, with an option to purchase the remaining 40% within two years. Republic Factory will continue to operate under its own brand and with the same team in Gothenburg. Founders Christofer Sandin and Niklas Rhöse will continue to lead the company and, in connection with the deal, have become shareholders in 99x Group.
“Republic is Republic, and we are careful to keep it that way. Same team, the same philosophy and the same passion for design and craftsmanship. But now we have a whole Nordic tech group behind us, which opens doors that were previously closed to us,” says Christofer Sandin, CEO and co-owner of Republic Factory.
“Sweden is a natural next step for 99x. It is one of Europe’s most mature digital markets, and with Republic Factory, their strong local presence and deep customer relationships in Gothenburg as our base, we gain an excellent platform for growth. We’re not just entering a new market; we’re doing it with the right people already in place,” says Dag Honningsvåg, Chairman of the Board, 99x.
A strategic piece in the Nordic ecosystem
Over the past years, 99x Group has built a strong Nordic ecosystem of specialised tech and design companies, including acquisitions such as Solvr, Gture and Increo. Republic Factory now brings an established Swedish design and web development capability that complements the group’s existing companies.
Republic Factory has, during its more than 25 years in the industry, worked with clients such as Adidas, New Balance, Wingårdh, Göteborgsvarvet and Maurten, and is known for combining technical precision with high-quality design.
“Republic represents exactly the kind of company we look for: deep expertise, long-standing experience and genuine craftsmanship. They share our values around quality and long-term thinking, and they strengthen our ability to deliver in Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia,” says Odd Sverre Østlie, CEO of 99x Group.
New opportunities for Republic’s clients
By joining 99x Group, Republic Factory’s clients will gain access to a broader offering, including 99x’s expertise in AI-driven product development, nearshore teams and modernisation of legacy systems. Republic Factory can now take on larger and more complex projects without losing the local roots and personal relationships clients value.
“This is not about becoming a different company; it’s about being able to do more for our clients. With 600 colleagues behind us, we can address challenges we previously had to decline,” says Christofer Sandin.
About 99x Group
99x is a Nordic tech group with more than 20 years of experience helping companies build and scale digital products. With over 600 experts across 11 companies in Norway, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Brazil and Malaysia, 99x offers services in product development, AI, web development and nearshore consulting. 99x is majority-owned by Norwegian founders and employees and operates based on Scandinavian values of trust, openness and quality.
About Republic Factory AB
Republic Factory is a Gothenburg-based digital design and web agency founded in 1998. With a team of dedicated specialists, Republic Factory delivers customised websites, digital experiences and technical solutions focused on design quality and usability. Clients include Adidas, New Balance, Göteborgsvarvet and Maurten. The office is located on Korsgatan in central Gothenburg.