Axel Johnson International enters industrial automation via acquisition of OCS
Axel Johnson International has entered the market for overhead conveying solutions and industrial automation by acquiring a majority stake in OCS AB, a global provider of overhead conveyor systems based in Borås, Sweden.
OCS provides high quality overhead conveyors systems for the automotive, aviation and general industries and has a particularly strong presence in the Nordic region and central Europe. The Company adds SEK 100 million of revenue to the Axel Johnson International group and will form an initial platform from which the Group intends to build a strong Pan-European player within industrial automation. The acquisition is well aligned with the Group’s long-term strategy to provide complete technical solutions for a variety of industrial customers and applications.
“The acquisition of OCS is a milestone for Axel Johnson International as it marks our first investment within industrial automation,” says Martin Malmvik, CEO of Axel Johnson International, who will become chairman of OCS AB. “We see considerable growth potential and will work closely with the management team to support them in every way we can.”
OCS will continue to operate under its current brand name as part of Axel Johnson International’s Industrial Solutions business group. The current owners will remain involved with relevant minority stake ownership, thereby aligning owner incentives and creating a strong sense of partnership between the two parties.
“Becoming part of the Axel Johnson International family of companies will create many new opportunities for OCS Group's customers and staff, and I look forward to continuing to lead the company,” says Kenth Almqvist who together with Christer Lundgren and Mathias Frunz will remain part owners of the OCS Group. “Together we will work to further strengthen our offering to the market for lean, clean and green manufacturing.”
For further information, please contact:
Hans Glemstedt, Head of Strategy and M&A, Axel Johnson International,
+46 (0)8 453 77 41, hans.glemstedt@axinter.com
Martin Malmvik, CEO & President, Axel Johnson International,
+46 (0)8 453 77 51, martin.malmvik@axinter.com
Kenth Almqvist, CEO, OCS AB
+46 (0)33 23 34 40, ka@ocs.se
About OCS Overhead Conveyor System AB
Headquartered in Borås, Sweden, OCS is a niche player within industrial automation designing, manufacturing and installing advanced overhead conveyors systems for industrial applications. The Company was founded in 1993 and delivers systems to customers across the world and to a variety of industries.
Viktor Skargren
Head of Communication / Project Manager Strategy and M&A
viktor.skargren@axinter.com
Axel Johnson International is a privately owned Swedish industrial group of more than 100 companies in 25 countries, with combined annual sales of EUR 790 million. We drive business development and growth through a long-term approach to ownership in strategic niche markets, primarily technical components and solutions for industrial processes. Axel Johnson International is organised in four business groups: Fluid Handling Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Lifting Solutions and Transport Solutions.
www.axinter.com
