The three sons of Ingvar Kamprad -- Jonas, Mathias och Peter Kamprad -- is taking over control of the Ikea furniture empire. The decision was made in connection with the founder's 86th birthday, according to tabloid Expressen.

"It was a natural time for the family to more clearly define the three sons' future roles and responsibilities," said Ingvar Kamprad's spokesman Per Heggenes. 

Ikea is devided into three separate groups, and the three sons are today running one part each.

"We will continue to focus on our core businesses and with the default values ​​Ingvar has established in his so-called legacy," Göran Grosskopf, chairman of Ikea's parent Ingka Holding told Expressen.

Ingvar Kamprad is ranked Sweden's richest man. Ikea generated more than $33 billion in revenue and nearly $4 billion in net income in 2011.