GESCO sells Ackermann Fahrzeugbau GmbH

27.04.2012

Wuppertal, 27 April 2012 – The SDAX-listed GESCO AG sold its 80 % share in Ackermann Fahrzeugbau GmbH, Wolfhagen, to AluTeam Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH, Bielefeld. The managing director of Ackermann Fahrzeugbau GmbH also sold his 20 % share in the company. AluTeam Fahrzeugtechnik is Europeʼs leading producer of case kits for commercial vehicles. The purchase price remained undisclosed.

GESCO AG founded Ackermann Fahrzeugbau GmbH in 1996 and acquired the operating business of a branch of the former Ackermann-Fruehauf Group, which became insolvent.

Ackermann Fahrzeugbau manufactures sandwich panels, sandwich structures and case kits for producing closed truck and trailer superstructures. Its customers include regionally active bodywork manufacturers as well as vehicle manufacturers. In financial year 2011, Ackermann employed around 70 people and generated more than € 10 million in sales. Ackermann Fahrzeugbau is a strategic addition to AluTeamʼs portfolio.

GESCO Executive Board member Dr. Hans-Gert Mayrose comments on the transaction: “As you know, the exit, in other words the sale, of a subsidiary is not part of our business model. However, markets change, and Ackermannʼs relevant markets have seen tough competition and consolidation for a long time. Since the crisis in 2009, the environment has changed yet again and is now impacted by strong fluctuations in capacity utilisation and high pricing pressure. As a niche provider, Ackermann is competing with much larger companies. We are confident that the cooperation with the industry partner AluTeam will provide Ackermann with strategic advantages that it would not be able to obtain if it continued to be positioned as an individual company.”