Trelleborg eyes expansion through Italian acquisition

Trelleborg Wheel Systems has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial tyre business belonging to Italian firm Pircher Alfred s.a.s. The business specialises in the distribution and service of industrial tyres, such as those fitted on forklift trucks. Trelleborg says the acquisition further strengthens and enlarges its European industrial tyre distribution network, and offers the opportunity to further grow the Interfit industrial tyre service business that the company took on through its acquisition of Watts Tyre Group in early 2011. The Pircher Alfred deal is expected to be finalised during the first quarter of 2014.

The acquired business operates distribution and service centres located in the Italian cities of Milan and Bologna. Trelleborg reports the business achieved sales of approximately SEK75 million (£7.1 million) in 2012. Trelleborg describes the purchase as a “bolt-on acquisition” and says it is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its positions in attractive and profitable market segments.

“The focus of globally leading forklift manufacturers is increasingly shifting toward expanding their presence in local markets,” said Maurizio Vischi, president of Trelleborg Wheel Systems. “This trend suits our business and we see the potential to successfully develop and expand our Interfit service concept for industrial tyres. The acquired operation commands a strong position in the Italian market and has solid profitability. The transaction will strengthen our capabilities across the supply chain, from manufacturing to service of industrial tyres.”