NEWS
Combining strengths
Superlas acquired by Trelleborg T
relleborg has, through its business area Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, signed an agreement to acquire the privately owned Superlas Group. The company develops and manufactures industrial hoses for a range of industries, such as construction and civil engineering, processing, industrial cleaning and tanker transportation. The acquisition consolidates Trelleborg’s market leading position in industrial hoses. Superlas has manufacturing facilities in Turkey and sales offices in Austria and the UK. Sales are global and in 2013 amounted to about SEK 400 million. The transaction forms part of Trelleborg’s strategy to strengthen its positions in selected attractive market segments. “The acquired operation is a major manufacturer of medium/low pressure industrial hoses and one of the world’s largest in mandrel-build hoses. Superlas Group offers a product range that complements Trelleborg’s product portfolio very well. By combining these offers, we create favourable opportunities for further geographic expansion, particularly in North America and Asia while strengthening our market position in general,” says Mikael Fryklund, president of the Trelleborg Industrial Solutions business area. Visit: www.superlas.com
Saab and ThyssenKrupp sign MoU
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hyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG, a subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp AG, and Saab AB have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding concerning the sale of the Swedish shipyard ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AB (formerly named Kockums) with operations in Malmö, Karlskrona and Muskö to Saab AB. Both parties agree that during the negotiations phase, the integrity and the operating ability of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AB must be safeguarded. The Memorandum of Understanding is in line with Saab’s ambition to expand its activities in the naval area and meets the needs of Sweden for an industrial solution regarding design, production and maintenance of submarines and warships. An acquisition of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AB will enable Saab to meet this ambition. Saab serves the global market with worldleading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Visit: www.saabgroup.com
ERIKS acquires Maagtechnic Group
ON
11 February 2014, ERIKS announced having reached an agreement with Datwyler to acquire all shares of the Maagtechnic Group. This acquisition was finalised successfully on 1 April 2014. The Maagtechnic Group is a leading European industrial service provider, serving OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) as well
18 Industry Europe
A merger of equals to create LafargeHolcim
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olcim and Lafarge have announced their intention to combine the two companies through a merger of equals, unanimously approved by their respective board of directors and fully supported by the core shareholders of both companies. This new global company with European roots would deliver compelling benefits for all stakeholders. LafargeHolcim would be in the best position to contribute to addressing the challenges of urbanisation: affordable housing, urban sprawl and transport. The new group would increase its offer to customers through innovation delivered on an expanded scale, best in class R&D and a combined portfolio of solutions and products. Both companies have pioneered sustainability and climate change mitigation in the industry and are committed to take it to the next level. LafargeHolcim would have an enhanced presence in the global building materials sector with a number one position globally across cement, as MRO (Maintenance Repair Overhaul) with operating companies in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Czech Republic. Maagtechnic is active in the distribution, manufacturing, customising and engineering of the following competences: Sealing, rubber and plastics technology; flow and connection technology; power transmission and drive technology; tools, maintenance and safety products; and
concrete and aggregates and new opportunities to optimise production and commercial networks. After a strategic optimisation of the portfolio through a pro-active divestment process, in anticipation of regulatory requirements, LafargeHolcim would occupy complementary positions. Combined operations would include production sites located in 90 countries across all continents with the most balanced and diversified portfolio in the industry. Visit: www.lafarge.com
logistics and e-business solutions. With approximately 580 employees, Maagtechnic realised sales of around CHF 150 million in 2013. ERIKS is a leading international service provider offering a wide range of engineering components and related technical and logistics services. Visit: www.eriks.com