AURELIUS subsidiary NDS Group AS acquires Norwegian equipment distributor Nordic Lift
- Acquisition strengthens NDS’ AutoMateriell business to become a leading provider of workshop equipment in Norway
- Second add-on acquisition in the past 12 months emphasizes NDS successful repositioning as a buy-and-build platform and consolidator in the Nordic aftermarket
- Transaction underlines AURELIUS’ strategy to strengthen its portfolio companies via add-ons
Munich/Oslo, November 1, 2021 – The NDS Group AS, a subsidiary of AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA (ISIN: DE000A0JK2A8), acquires the Norwegian equipment distributor Nordic Lift, headquartered in Trondheim, Norway from Knut Ulseth and Frode Rosmæl. This transaction marks the second add-on acquisition of NDS in the last 12 months and is a strategic addition to NDS’ equipment business AutoMateriell. It underpins the growth strategy of NDS Group to scale its business as a leading Norwegian wholesaler with a nationwide logistics network and a highly attractive product and services offering for its workshop clients. AURELIUS’ strategy to strengthen its portfolio companies via add-ons has delivered another highly synergetic transaction, closing is expected in the coming days. The parties have agreed to not disclose financial details.
Nordic Lift is one of Norway’s leading distributors for workshop equipment, car washing equipment and paint boxes with a product range specifically tailored for the Norwegian market. The company operates locations in Oslo and Trondheim and has a unique product assortment supported by a strong service team. The product portfolio is highly complementary with NDS’ equipment division AutoMateriell which supplies workshop equipment of leading equipment OEMs such as JohnBean and MAHA. Customers of both companies will greatly benefit from the combined business.
“With the acquisition of Nordic Lift AS we are significantly improving our product and service offering in the equipment sector. We are delighted that the previous owners are staying aboard, and both businesses will benefit from their outstanding expertise and experience.” says NDS Group Chairman Janno Gröne.
Leif Lupp, Managing Director AURELIUS Nordics adds: “This acquisition is another good example of how AURELIUS grows its portfolio companies through add-on acquisitions. We develop a dedicated M&A strategy for each of our portfolio companies and in the case of NDS have executed two highly synergetic add-ons in the last 12 months. NDS continues to pursue a strong M&A pipeline throughout the Nordics and further acquisitions can be expected.”
„I am pleased to see that the add-on strategy for our portfolio companies is paying off. Today’s acquisition of Nordic Lift is a perfect example, as it allows us to grow and strengthen NDS even further," says Matthias Täubl, CEO of AURELIUS Equity Opportunities. „The deal pipeline is filled well, we expect acquisitions throughout our investment focus of add-ons, platform investments and co-investments in the upcoming weeks.“
AURELIUS was advised on the transaction by SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ForretningsPartner (Commercial) and Schjødt (Legal).