Erling Persson, Swedish businessman, founded H&M (b. 1917)
Erling Persson (21 January 1917 – 28 October 2002) was the founder of H&M (Hennes & Mauritz). 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.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. The Persson family owns about 47% of the company and has a 74% voting rights.
2002Oct, 28
Erling Persson
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Events on 2002
- 16Jan
Osama bin Laden
The UN Security Council unanimously establishes an arms embargo and the freezing of assets of Osama bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the remaining members of the Taliban. - 4Apr
Angolan Civil War
The Angolan government and UNITA rebels sign a peace treaty ending the Angolan Civil War. - 14Apr
Hugo Chávez
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez returns to office two days after being ousted and arrested by the country's military. - 12May
Fidel Castro
Former US President Jimmy Carter arrives in Cuba for a five-day visit with Fidel Castro, becoming the first President of the United States, in or out of office, to visit the island since Castro's 1959 revolution. - 20Aug
Saddam Hussein
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein take over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin, Germany for five hours before releasing their hostages and surrendering.