STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- 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 Moller, 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.
Atlas Copco is an international industrial Group with its head office in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2004, the Group had revenues of approximately BSEK 49, with 98% of revenues outside Sweden. The Group has more than 25 000 employees. The Group produces and markets compressed air equipment and generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools, and assembly systems and offers related service and equipment rental. The Atlas Copco Group includes famous brands such as Atlas Copco, RSC Equipment Rental, and CP. More information can be found on atlascopco.com.
Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems develops, manufactures and markets hand-held electric and pneumatic tools and assembly systems. The products are primarily sold to the automotive and general industry world-wide. With customer service centers in many parts of the world, the company offers not only a complete range of products and service but also global project management for multi-national customers. The headquarters are located in Stockholm, Sweden. Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems is a division within the Industrial Technique business area of the Atlas Copco Group. See www.atlascopco.com
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