Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), a Japanese manufacturer of forklift trucks and the parent company of Toyota Motors, has announced the acquisition of Vanderlande, a provider of automated material handling solutions for airports and the parcel delivery market.
The acquisition has been fully approved by the Vanderlande board, paving the way for TICO to complete the purchase from the current owner, NPM Capital. Vanderlande will retain its name and corporate identity, and will continue operating as a standalone entity. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to be finalized during Q2 2017.
TICO celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2016 and currently employs more than 51,000 members of staff globally. In the same financial year, the company achieved turnover of €16.8bn (US$18.1bn), with material handling representing 45% of its total business. In February 2016, TICO announced the acquisition of Bastian Solutions, a material-handling firm in North America.
Norio Wakabayashi, managing officer for TICO and the designated chairman of Vanderlande’s supervisory board, said, “Vanderlande complements our current offering by providing a full range of integrated automated material handling solutions. We also see a strong strategic match in our extensive sales and service networks. This acquisition creates even better global coverage across almost all of the markets that have a requirement for automation.”
Bart Coopmans, managing director, Bart Coopmans, NPM Capital, said, “NPM Capital has had a long-term focus with respect to investing in Vanderlande since the start in 1988. We have continuously supported investments in the organization and its technological capabilities, resulting in Vanderlande’s current market-leading positions. The entry of Toyota as a strong strategic shareholder will enable Vanderlande to take the next step in its growth trajectory.”
Remo Brunschwiler, Vanderlande’s CEO, added, “Vanderlande is pleased to be acquired by such a successful, strategic partner. The financial strength behind TICO and its global presence will help our company to continue with its strategy of sustainable profitable growth.”