German company, Knorr-Bremse, is to take over UK-based GT Group in a move to reinforce its competitive position in the engine air management sector.
The acquisition is still subject to approval by the anti-trust authorities, with both parties having agreed to not disclosing the purchase price.
GT Group’s core business is the development and manufacturing of EGR valves and exhaust brakes for diesel engines used in the commercial vehicle sector. The owner-managed company with around 250 employees operates four locations in the UK and is considered a leading force in both product segments, according to Knorr-Bremse.
“The strategic fit of GT Group to Knorr-Bremse and the strong position of our combined businesses will enable us to meet the needs of our worldwide customers regarding the emission-compliant operation of diesel engines even more comprehensively,” commented Knorr-Bremse Board Member, Dr Peter Laie.
“We access in-depth know-how in new technologies as GT’s mechatronic exhaust valves complement Knorr-Bremse’s existing product portfolio in Asia. Therefore we are planning a close engineering collaboration especially between GT Emissions Systems and our subsidiaries in Japan and China.
“Together with the GT Group we are aiming to grow in new regions and strengthen our market position in Europe and North America. This way Knorr- Bremse will take a further step toward its declared aim of offering integrated system solutions and subsystems that boost customer benefits, reduce costs and ensure both the safe and efficient operation of trucks, trailers, and buses over the entire life cycle.”
Image: Knorr-Bremse’s Thorsten Seehars, Memberof the Management Board of Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles (right), at the signing ceremony with Geoff Turnbull, the previous owner and Chairman of GT Group.