Who we are
We support the development of engineering excellence
Origin and purpose
COWIfonden was established in 1973 when ownership was transferred from former partners to a private limited company, with COWIfonden becoming the sole owner. It is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the COWI Group in collaboration with its management and employees.
In 1983, COWIfonden sold shares in COWI to SEB and Danica to raise capital for growth of the business. These two pension companies held their shares in COWI until 2010, when a new group structure was implemented, with COWI Holding A/S serving as the parent company. COWIfonden bought back the shares from Danica and SEB to set up an employee shareholding scheme.
COWIfonden continues to hold the majority share in the parent company, which, in turn, holds a majority share – either directly or indirectly – in all COWI Group companies.
COWIfonden is guided by its Charter, as defined by the founding members of the Foundation. COWIfonden has the following obligations:
- To provide support for the growth and development of the COWI Group.
- To foster and promote relevant activities, specifically within the areas associated with the COWI Group’s business, with a particular focus on postgraduate studies and research.
Vision and mission
The COWI Group is an international consultancy within engineering, architecture, energy and environment, offering its unique services in selected markets.
With a strong presence in Denmark and internationally, the COWI Group is recognised for delivering consultancy services of the highest quality and professional standards while also being recognised as a desirable workplace.
All units within the COWI Group align their operations with a set of core values, reflecting its commitment to shaping a sustainable and liveable world.
At the heart of COWI’s values is ‘Do the right thing, always’, which defines who COWI is and serves as a compass guiding its actions and decisions.
COWIfonden supports the COWI Group as an active and engaged owner. Read here how COWIfonden provides this support and how COWIfonden and COWI Holding operate together.
Five important roles
To be an active and competent owner, deeply invested in the business and development of the COWI Group.
To ensure stability and continuity in the development of the COWI Group.
To utilise the benefits of the present ownership structure to establish a strong and financially stable foundation for the long-term development of the COWI Group.
To foster a high professional level within COWI Group companies and the field of engineering consultancy in general.
To support relevant causes through donations, with a primary focus on the COWI Group’s fields of activity, particularly in postgraduate studies and research.
COWIfonden sets out a five year strategy plan addressing the delivery of its goals. Read here to explore the 2026-2030 strategy.
COWIfonden’s values
Professional Strength
- As active owners, we promote a highly professional environment by working actively to create innovation and added value in COWI and in society.
- COWIfonden supports COWI’s culture of learning and professional excellence where employees can excel in all respects.
Respect
- At COWIfonden we respect our partners, society and nature.
- We respect each other when we cooperate, make and implement decisions.
Freedom
- COWIfonden works for freedom of thought and action.
- We believe in dialogue and open debate.
Independence
- COWIfonden's independence and freedom of action are fundamental to our work.
- As active owners, the foundation works to support COWI's independence in its activities.
Integrity
- COWIfonden acts fairly, openly and credibly in all respects.
- We work to ensure that integrity is the foundation of COWI's corporate culture, practices and collaborations.
Headquarters
COWI A/S
Parallelvej 2
2800 Kongens Lyngby
Denmark
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Sustainability and governance
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