Press release -
Axel Johnson International grows through acquisition in South Africa
The acquisition of the majority share of South African AQS Liquid Transfer Ltd. marks an important extension of the market reach of Axel Johnson International’s business group AxFlow, one of Europe’s leading providers of pumps and pump expertise for process industries.
“The geographic extension of our fluid handling solutions business is a strategic and important one. Axel Johnson International’s investment strategy is focused on leading niche businesses with strong positions and growth ambitions in local markets. The acquisition of AQS, in addition, offers an opportunity to enter strategically important new markets”, says Mats R. Karlsson, President and CEO of Axel Johnson International.
AQS Liquid Transfer was formed in 1994 in Pretoria and is today a distributor of an extensive range of industrial pumps and a provider of related services to customers in mining, utilities, industry and agriculture. AQS has eight branch offices nationwide, annual sales exceeding 140 MZAR and approximately 100 employees.
AQS’ management team, headed by Managing Director Gerhard Prinsloo, will continue to lead the company. “We, the shareholders, directors and personnel of AQS, are excited about the future with our new partner. AxFlow bring with them a wealth of opportunities, knowledge and expertise to further develop and exploit current and future markets on the continent”, says Gerhard Prinsloo.
AxFlow currently has operations in 27 European countries and AQS will provide a strategic stepping stone onto a new continent. “The owners of AQS Liquid Transfer have built a solid company with a fine team of engineers and service staff committed to clients, solutions and service. We very much look forward to growing our business together with the AQS team”, says Ole Weiner, President of AxFlow.
For further information, please contact:
Mats R. Karlsson, CEO and President, Axel Johnson International AB, +46 (0) 8 453 77 00, mats.karlsson@axinter.se
Ole Weiner, President, AxFlow Holdings AB, +46 (0)8 545 476 72, ole.weiner@axflow.com
Gerhard Prinsloo, Managing Director, AQS Liquid Transfer Ltd., +27 12 548 7204, gerhard.prinsloo@aqsliquidtransfer.co.za
Topics
Axel Johnson International is a technology distributor and a provider of services and solutions to industry. We support customers in selected industries by improving the efficiency, reliability, quality and safety of their industrial operations.
The 90 companies that make up Axel Johnson International are all experts in their respective segments, adding value to customer businesses through product and application knowledge, efficient logistics, maintenance and repair, technical support and customised solutions.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Axel Johnson International has annual sales of SEK 6.5 billion, 2,640 employees and operations in more than 25 countries.
