Solid aluminium roof railThe Thule Group, has agreed to divest its automotive related integrated roof rail business to Sapa.
The agreement that was reached today means that Sapa will be taking over Thule’s roof rail business including two productions plants, sales, design and engineering resources in Poland and the UK by early October 2010.
Skeleton aluminium footIn line with the strategic direction to focus more on branded consumer related products and retail the Thule Group management earlier this year took the decision to divest its integrated roof rail business with operational units in Poland and the UK with a turnover of 30 Million Euro. The business unit serves a broad portfolio of large automotive manufacturers with line-fitted roof rails and side-steps for passenger cars.
The automotive sector is one of the strategic market segments where Sapa already has a strong position and clear growth aspirations. This acquisition allows Sapa to expand the customer base, add valuable product design competence, and create a stronger market position. In addition, Sapa will be able to increase customer value through the combined knowledge, experience and technical competence of the two companies.
“Sapa is the global leader in the aluminium extrusion business, and our strategy is to establish a close cooperation with our customers to be able to offer them value-adding aluminum solutions. There is a growing interest for aluminum solutions within the Automotive business, and roof rails is one area where we see exciting opportunities to expand our offering. With the integration of Thule’s roof rail business we will have a leading position on this market in Europe and will also be able to serve customers globally”, says President Sapa Profiles Europe Arne Rengstedt.
President and CEO of Thule Group, Magnus Welander says in a comment: “With the Thule Group’s increased focus on branded products designed to make active life easier to enjoy for the consumer, the integrated roof rail business was no longer a core business for us. We were looking for a buyer that would ensure that our longstanding leadership within design and service to our customers could be integrated into a strong manufacturing organization so that employees and customer alike would be assured of a strong development potential going forward. I am happy we have been able to come to an agreement with Sapa, as I am convinced they have the strategic focus and competence to take this business further.”
