Atlas Copco to acquire South African construction equipment business

Stockholm, Sweden, September 28, 2005: Atlas Copco South Africa Pty Ltd. has signed an agreement to acquire assets of Consolidated Rock Machinery (Pty) Ltd. (CRM). The acquired business has annual revenues of approx. MSEK 160 and 65 employees. The purchase price was not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval from local authorities.

CRM is the leading distributor of surface drill rigs, portable compressors, and compact equipment, as well as rig-mounted and handheld construction and demolition equipment. CRM has been well established on the market since 1987 and has its own manufacturing of hydraulic boom systems and a range of pneumatic tools. The company has its head office in Johannesburg, South Africa. CRM’s compact equipment business will not be included in the acquisition. See more on: http://www.consrock.com. The acquisition fits well with Atlas Copco’s strategy to broaden sales reach and to further improve the aftermarket business. CRM has a strong presence on the market and a good geographical coverage with six sales and service operations in South Africa. “The acquisition will strengthen our position in South Africa and further improve our possibilities of serving customers with excellent products and after sales support” says Björn Rosengren, Business Area President, Construction and Mining Technique. The acquired business will be integrated into Atlas Copco South Africa Pty Ltd.