The Holland Group, SAF announce merger plans

The Holland Group, Inc. and Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH (SAF) today have signed a definitive agreement which will result in the merger of the two companies.

SAF is a supplier of integrated axle and suspension systems for trailers, with headquarters in Germany. Holland Group is a leading supplier of coupling, lift and suspension systems for trucks, tractors and trailers, with headquarters in Michigan.

The merger is expected to occur by year-end.

Both companies are original equipment suppliers with complementary products. The merger creates a global supplier of transportation equipment with the critical mass required to compete in the market-26 manufacturing and warehousing facilities worldwide.

The two companies also share a similar history. Both began as suppliers of horse-drawn agricultural products before evolving into suppliers to the heavy transportation industry, and both have been privately-held family businesses.

After the merger, the two companies will be subsidiaries of SAF-HOLLAND GROUP GmbH headquartered in Bessenbach, Germany with combined annual sales of approximately $975 million. The company will employ 3,000 people worldwide. Its combined product portfolio will be marketed under the Holland and SAF brand names