Stockholm, Sweden-based Atlas Copco Holding GmbH last week signed an agreement to acquire Rodcraft Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Germany, and all its subsidiary companies. The Rodcraft group of companies had 2006 annual revenues of approximately MSEK 208 (about U.S. $29.8 million) and 78 employees in 2006. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the first quarter 2007.

Rodcraft Group, headquartered in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, has been supplying the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 25 years with pneumatic tools and workshop equipment. The Rodcraft Group has grown significantly over this period and today supports a wide distribution network in more than 50 countries worldwide.

“The acquisition of Rodcraft provides the CP Vehicle Service division with an opportunity to expand with new products into both new and existing customers,” said Fredrik Möller, business area president, Atlas Copco Industrial Technique. “It will also dramatically increase our ability to provide workshop equipment and accessories to this sector.”

This first acquisition for the newly formed CP Vehicle Service division aims to further strengthen its position as a supplier of tools and associated products to the automotive aftermarket sector, the company said.

Rodcraft will be integrated into the CP Vehicle Service division within Atlas Copco’s Industrial Technique business area. It will continue to operate under its current name.

CP Vehicle Service is a division within Atlas Copco’s Industrial Technique business area. It markets power tools and solutions primarily to tire, engine repair and body shops, as well as sophisticated wheel tightening solutions for the vehicle service aftermarket worldwide. The division is headquartered in Nantes, France.

Atlas Copco is an international provider of industrial productivity solutions. The products and services range from compressed air and gas equipment, generators, construction and mining equipment, industrial tools and assembly systems, to related aftermarket and rental.