STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 6, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Atlas Copco AB has signed an agreement to acquire Ankertechnik GmbH, Feistritz an der Drau, Austria, the rock reinforcement division of MAI International GmbH, Austria, with annual sales of about MSEK 70 (ME 7.6) and 15 employees. The purchase price was not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval from regulatory authorities.
Ankertechnik GmbH (Ankertechnik) is a leading producer of self-drilling hollow core anchor systems used to stabilize weak rock and soil in tunneling, mining and other ground engineering applications. The acquisition is in line with the Group's strategy to expand in the rock reinforcement area.
Ankertechnik will join the Atlas Copco Rock Drilling Equipment Division (RDE), which is present in the rock reinforcement market with its unique Swellex(r) rock reinforcement bolts and Boltec(r), its fully automatic bolting units. "By consolidating complementary rock bolting technologies and focusing on innovative installation systems, we can offer even more effective solutions to our customers," says Bjorn Rosengren, President of Atlas Copco RDE. "The acquisition will provide important synergies and new opportunities within our global sales organization."
The company will be renamed Atlas Copco MAI, once the acquisition is completed, and will continue its worldwide sales of MAI self-drilling rock bolts and MAI grout injection pumps.
Atlas Copco Rock Drilling Equipment is a division within the business area Construction and Mining Technique of the Atlas Copco Group. The division develops, manufactures and markets rock drills, drill rigs, and equipment for rock reinforcement, and has established a worlwide leading position. The products are used for rock excavation within the mining and construction business for both surface and underground applications. The division's headquarters and main production plants are located in Orebro, Sweden. The division employs approximately 1,700 people worldwide. More information is available on www.atlascopco.com/rde
Atlas Copco is an international industrial Group with its head office in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2000, the Group had revenues of SEK 46 billion, with 98 percent of revenues outside Sweden, and more than 26.000 employees. The Group produces and markets compressed air equipment and generators, construction and mining equipment, electric and pneumatic tools, assembly systems, and offers related service and equipment rental. The Atlas Copco Group includes famous brands such as Atlas Copco, RSC, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Chicago Pneumatic and AEG Power Tools. More information can be found on the web site: www.atlascopco- group.com.
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