ASSA ABLOY´s strategy is based on acquiring leading lock companies in mature markets in parallel with organic growth in emerging markets.

 

"Australia is an interesting market and Lockwood the clear market leader. In addition, the combination of our operations in Asia opens great opportunities. The formation of the joint venture is therefor a logical and vital step in the implementation of our strategy", says Carl-Henric Svanberg, CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

 

EMAIL, the joint venture partner and present owner of Lockwood is a listed Australian industrial conglomerate with a turnover exceeding SEK 10 billion.

 

"EMAIL has come to the conclusion that the best way to further develop and increase the value of its lock business is to join forces with the leading player in the lock industry. The trend towards higher security increases the demands for more sophisticated products often in global competition. This has made it logical and necessary for medium sized lock companies to merge or enter into alliances with the few global actors in the lock business. We are therefor satisfied to have attracted ASSA ABLOY as our partner", says Ralph Waters, CEO of EMAIL Ltd.

 

Lockwood, with a total of 1000 employees, has major production facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane and a manufacturing unit in New Zealand. The company has since the beginning of the century developed a clear market leading position in Australia and New Zeeland and has an impressive installed base. Lockwood operates under two brand names, the Lockwood brand primarily used in the commercial and institutional market and Whitco in the residential market. Furthermore, Lockwood has sales operations in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

 

Lockwood is active in all segments of the market with a wide range of products. Products for the residential market are primarily distributed through retail chains and traditional locksmiths. Products for the commercial and institutional market are sold through wholesalers and contract hardware distributors.  

 

Lockwood is currently undergoing a re-engineering process. This will be further enhanced through the benchmarking process within ASSA ABLOY and there is an estimated margin increase potential of 4-5 percent.

 

There are several cross-selling opportunities. Lockwood's products will add strength to the Asian portfolio. ASSA ABLOY's wide range of products including high security cylinders, padlocks and different electromechanical locks will considerably strengthen Lockwood's product portfolio in Australia.

 

ASSA ABLOY's and Lockwood's sales organisation in Asia will be combined. This will create the clear leader in the region with expected sales of 150 MSEK and with sales companies in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China including sales offices in Honk Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. Through the merge critical mass will be reached and a strong cost efficient organisation will be established.

 

Lockwood's sales amount to MSEK 850 with an EBIT margin of 7%. The purchase price for 50% amounts to MSEK 450 corresponding to the company's debt free book value. ASSA ABLOY has an option to acquire the remaining part after three years according to a price based on the equity increase. Acquisition costs will covered from the first year and contribute to EPS from next year. The acquisition will take place 1st April.

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For further information, please contact

Carl-Henric Svanberg, President & CEO, tel: +46-8-698 8552 alt. +46-7-510 0551,

or Göran Jansson, CFO, tel. +46-8-698 8572 alt. +46-70-748 8572

 

ASSA ABLOY AB (publ)

P.O. Box 70340, S-107 23 Stockholm

Tel: Int+46-8-698 85 70, Fax: Int +46-8-698 85 85

Visiting address: Klarabergsviadukten 90