Atlas Copco to acquire Italian control instruments and torque measurement company

Stockholm, Sweden, November 30, 2005: Atlas Copco Italia S.p.A. has signed an agreement to acquire Italian control instruments and torque measurement manufacturer BLM s.r.l.. BLM’s turnover in 2004 was approximately MSEK 59 (MEUR 6.4) and it has 44 employees. The acquisition is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2006.

BLM, based near Milan, specializes in torque and tightening testing equipment with 90% of sales to the motor vehicle industry. BLM’s products are complementary to Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems’ range, and have mainly been sold in Europe up to now. By adding Atlas Copco’s worldwide general industry and motor vehicle industry channels to market, the business is expected to grow significantly. “Through the acquisition we will be able to offer our customers a wider and more complete range of torque and tightening testing equipment,” says Fredrik Möller, Business Area President, Industrial Technique. “This acquisition will also give us the opportunity to accelerate growth in this product segment.” BLM will be part of the Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems division within the Industrial Technique business area. It will operate under the Atlas Copco brand. For more information visit BLM’s homepage on www.blm-torque.com.