20.12.2012 Changing demands on hydraulic systems worldwide reflect megatrends towards greater energy and cost efficiency, enhanced functionality and environmental compatibility. At the same time, there is a long-term trend towards hydraulic and electrical drive systems. High-end cylinder technologies, combined with pumps and valves in customized solutions, are in line with this trend.
The family-owned company of Ölhydraulik Altenerding Dechamps & Kretz GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1961. From its base in Erding, the company develops, manufactures and assembles special systems based on advanced hydraulic cylinder technology in the high-pressure range for a broad customer base in Europe. The systems are used mainly in mobile hydraulics, but also in industrial and special-purpose hydraulics. The company has extensive application know-how and is close to its customers thanks to a commitment to developing customer-specific drive solutions. The main fields of application for Ölhydraulik Altenerding systems are in construction machinery and cranes. With around 250 employees, the company generated sales of EUR 35 million in the financial year ended 30 April 2012. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
The acquisition of Ölhydraulik Altenerding closes a significant gap in Bucher Hydraulics' product portfolio. Cylinders are fully complementary with the division's range of products.
There are potential synergies and expansion opportunities in the development of customised systems including Bucher Hydraulics' pump and valve engineering, in the largely overlapping European customer base, and in Bucher Hydraulics' international presence.
After completion of the acquisition, Ölhydraulk Altenerding will operate within the Bucher Hydraulics division as a centre of excellence for cylinder technology. Following a transitional phase, it will be renamed Bucher Hydraulics Erding. Ferdinand Kretz, co-owner and long-standing CEO of Ölhydraulik Altenerding, will retire for reasons of age once the transaction is completed.
www.bucherhydraulics.com/cylinder
