SAF-Holland S.A. — a global supplier of components and systems for the trailer and truck industry — and Georg Fischer AG of Sweden have agreed that SAF-Holland will acquire all the capital shares of Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH, a subsidiary of Georg Fischer AG.
SAF-Holland says the acquisition, terms of which were not disclosed, is an important step in its growth strategy, as this move strengthens the company’s position in the European market for fifth wheels. The company also says it will be able to benefit from its experience as a market leader for fifth wheels in North America. Just 18 months after the merger of SAF and Holland, the group says it now is completing its European product range with technologically leading products and expanding its European trailer business via the truck sector.
“With the acquisition of Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH, we are closing a strategic gap and can thus position ourselves as an international, comprehensive supplier and partner of the truck and trailer industry,” says Rudi Ludwig, chief executive officer of Bessenbach, Germany-based SAF-Holland S.A.
Georg Fischer Verkehrstechnik GmbH, which produces and sells fifth wheels and trilex wheels for the commercial vehicle sector, generated sales in 2007 in excess of EUR 60 million with about 80 employees. SAF-Holland says it will continue the existing business activities of the company. The transaction requires the approval of the merger control authorities.
