Nissan acquires warehouse manufacturer Atlet

Source: Supply Chain Digital

Date :10/09/2007 14:34:43

Nissan Forklift , a subsidiary of Nissan, is buying Swedish warehouse equipment manufacturer Atlet.

Collectively, the companies have an annual worldwide production of more than 36,500 units with an annual turnover of €858 million, although both brands and sales networks will be operated separately in the market.

According to Toshio Aoki, corporate vice president of Nissan in charge of the industrial machinery division: "Atlet is the ideal partner for us to reinforce our position as a major player in the global material handling market thanks to their high quality products, which complement our existing product line-up."

Atlet chief executive Marianne Brismar was equally confident: "Nissan Forklift is a natural fit for us.

Not only will we have the opportunity to strengthen our product range under our existing brand name, but we will also be able to expand into new markets."

Atlet was founded 49 years ago by Knut Jacobsson, and until now has been a family owned business.

"With no natural family succession, we wanted to find an industrial partner to allow us long-term development and to further strengthen the Atlet brand", said Jacobsson.

“It opens great potential for an exciting and rewarding future for our employees."

Following the completion of the acquisition process, Nissan will appoint a new chief executive for Atlet.

Marianne Brismar will remain as a special advisor to Atlet.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of 2007 pending approval by the EU Commission.

September 10 2007