Swedish businessman
Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was the founder of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz).[1][2] 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.[2]
He established the company in Västerås, Sweden, in 1947 selling women's clothing, calling it Hennes, Swedish for "hers." In 1968, Persson acquired the premises and inventory of a Stockholm hunting equipment store named Mauritz Widforss.
In 1982, his son, Stefan Persson took over as the managing director, and today is the chairman of the board.[2] The Persson family owns about 47% of the company and has a 74% voting rights.[3]
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