Sweden. Atlas Copco AB
| Date of agreement: | 15 Dec 2014 |
|---|---|
| Country: | Sweden |
| Customer: | Atlas Copco AB |
| Amount in EUR: | EUR 200 million |
| Maturity: | 10 years |
| NACE sector / loan type: | Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. |
Project
The loan has been provided for the acquisition of the UK-based Edwards Group Ltd., a global leader in vacuum solutions.
The acquisition, which took place in early 2014, offers Atlas Copco an opportunity to expand into the growing vacuum solutions market. The move allows the company to take advantage of synergies between vacuum and compressed air solutions in sales, service and technology development. The acquired business is now part of Atlas Copco’s new Vacuum Solutions division within the Compressor Technique business area. The amount of the deal totalled SEK 9.9 billion.
Atlas Copco AB is a global leader in compressors and mining equipment. Founded in 1873, the company has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries.
Fulfilment of NIB's mandate
The acquisition of Edwards Group is likely to diversify Atlas Copco’s knowledge base and result in a larger portfolio of innovation projects, as well as to offer an opportunity to expand with complementary products into adjacent business areas and new markets. Synergies in sales, service and technology development may contribute to crossbreeding of similar technologies and productivity gains. Edwards Group’s product lines entail R&D-intensive technologies, which may imply that the project may transfer new expertise and technologies to the NIB membership region. The acquisition adds more than 400 R&D employees to Atlas Copco’s staff.
Sustainability summary
The acquisition of the company is not expected to change the environmental impact of the operations.
