PRESS
RELEASE
10th April 2006
New: Partners in Processing
Marel hf acquires AEW Delford Systems
Marel hf expands its market shares by acquiring AEW Thurne
and Delford Sortaweigh
First strategic step in new 5-year plan
Marel hf announces the acquisition of UK based AEW Thurne (AEW) and Delford Sortaweigh (Delford) out of the AEW Delford Group. This is Marel's first strategic move to implement its new target of becoming a leading global manufacturer of food processing equipment and to triple annual revenues over the next 3 to 5 years. AEW Thurne and Delford Sortaweigh will be operated under the name AEW Delford Systems Ltd., after the acquisition.
"AEW Thurne and Delford Sortaweigh are well known for their high quality processing products like, high-speed slicing, portion control and shaping, weigh price labelling and robotic systems" says Marel CEO Hordur Arnarson. "These products are an excellent addition to Marel's product portfolio. Customers will now have a broader, more in-depth range of solutions to choose from, so we expect sales of AEW Delford Systems products to increase significantly through our global sales network."
Clearly, the companies' joint activities will benefit their customers in the following ways:
• AEW Delford Systems' product categories add to and complement Marel's current product portfolio.
• The acquisition will strengthen both companies' R&D activities by knowledge sharing and transfer of know how between product categories.
• The companies' sales and service networks will work together, thereby providing customers with a greater range of processing solutions and services.
• Both companies will strengthen their potential to increase sales through a strong joint global sales network.
Marel R&D Director, Asgeir Asgeirsson, has been appointed CEO of AEW Delford Systems Ltd with immediate effect. "Both Marel and AEW Delford Systems have ambitious technical programmes that have proven themselves with excellent products. This will be further strengthened by merging activities," says Asgeirsson. "There is strength in size, especially when the company vision is streamlined and focused. We intend to play a major role in Marel´s overall expansion plan."
Founded in 1983, Marel has risen to become one of the world's leading developers of high-tech food processing equipment. Following the acquisition the Marel Group will be made up of 19 operating subsidiaries. The Group comprises three principal companies labelled as "Partners in Processing": Marel hf, Carnitech and AEW Delford Systems, along with 16 other subsidiaries in 14 countries and branch offices in five countries. In addition, the Group has a global network of over 50 agents and distributors that markets, sells and services its products. Together, the companies that make up today's Marel Group supply a complete range of processing equipment to all sectors of the food processing industry.
http://www.marel.is/
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