Chinese company Xinfei is about to acquire French trailer OEM Lamberet, local news outlets report.
France-based Xinfei is part of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense company.
According to French industry resource Transport Info, Lamberet chief Erick Mejean has welcomed the take over, saying it would strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities and give it access to new strategic markets like Asia and North America.
Refrigerated van specialist Lamberet, which has been wholly owned by an Investment Fund since 2009, has reportedly doubled its turnover over the past half decade to €140 million.
Transport Info said that the company’s order backlog amounted to €41 million in the first quarter, an increase of 50 per cent compared to the same period of 2014.
Other sources, such as France 3, say the 800 people strong company has hired 80 new employees since March to increase production rates, so additional funds are now urgently needed to continue the company’s growth strategy.
Last year, Lamberet sold 4,800 units, including some 1,800 semi-trailers.
Image: Lamberet trailer at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2014.
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