Finland-based international rental giant Cramo strengthened its position in southeast Sweden by acquiring all the shares of BMS Uthyrning I Kalmar AB, with operations in Kalmar and Nybro, Sweden. BMS is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the region, particularly strong in access equipment. The combination of BMS’ operations with Cramo’s existing operations in the region will create a market-leading position, according to Cramo.
BMS posted SEK 10.5 million (about U.S. $1.48 million) in revenue in 2013, with seven employees. The non-rental-related parts of BMS will be divested before the acquisition. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
“The acquisition is a perfect match, which goes hand in hand with our Best in Town strategy,” said Cramo’s Sweden district manager Jonas Ohlson, who will be responsible for the integration of the businesses on the operations level. “Following the deal, we will move Cramo’s local operation into the same facilities as BMS, thereby increasing our resources and possibilities to serve our customers, while at the same time reducing cost. The acquisition will also give us a strong foothold for further development at Nybro.”
Per Eriksson, managing director and owner of BMS, has agreed to stay with the company for a two-year period and to play an active role in the integration.
“We know that Cramo has an attractive offering,” said Erik Bengtsson, managing director of Cramo Sweden. “But we also know that BMS has been strong in certain customer segments where we have been so far less successful. So this is a golden opportunity for both of us to learn from each other, which in turn is beneficial for our customers.”
Cramo, active in 15 European countries, is headquartered in Vantaa, near Helsinki, Finland.
