Jost Group and Daimler AG have successfully concluded their negotiations on the acquisition of Mercedes-Benz Trailer Axle Systems. Following completion of the transaction, Jost Group will be one of the largest manufacturers of trailer axles in Europe.
Jost Group, the world’s leading producer of vehicle connection components for systems, modules and components for trucks & trailers, acquires Mercedes-Benz Trailer Axle Systems effective Jan. 1, 2015, subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities. This was announced by Lars Brorsen, chief executive officer of Jost Group, after signing the purchase agreement in late October. Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price. After the takeover of UK based Edbro in 2012, Jost Group with this acquisition takes the next major step in expanding its international business activities.
“We are delighted to welcome Mercedes-Benz TrailerAxleSystems to Jost Group,” Brorsen said. “The company’s strong and well established products are a natural strategic extension of our product portfolio.”
Norbert Rehbein, responsible for Trailer Axle Systems at Mercedes-Benz, said, “The integration into Jost Group is the right step into a successful future. Going forward we will be part of a dynamically growing supplier of system solutions for the commercial vehicle indus-try. Jost’s global presence will support us in driving our international expansion.”
Following the acquisition by Jost, the customers of Mercedes-Benz Trailer Axle Systems will continue to obtain all current products at the usual high level of quality. The adminis-trative functions of Mercedes-Benz Trailer Axle Systems will be newly structured and integrated into the Jost organization beginning January 2015.
Since 1996, Mercedes-Benz Trailer Axle Systems has been active in the production of commercial vehicle axles for the European market. Today, the company is one of Europe’s largest producers of trailer axle systems.