Holland, German suspension firm merge

HOLLAND, Mich. — The Holland Group, Inc. and Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH (SAF) of Germany have signed a definitive agreement to merge the two companies.

SAF is a supplier of integrated axle and suspension systems for trailers.

Holland, which supplies coupling and lift and suspension systems for trucks, tractors and trailers, says the merger with the European axle and suspension company “creates a truly global supplier of transportation equipment with the critical mass required to compete in the market with 26 manufacturing and warehousing facilities worldwide.”

The two companies also share a similar history as both began as suppliers of horse-drawn agricultural products before evolving into suppliers to the heavy transportation industry, and both have been privately-held family businesses.

After the merger, which is expected to close by year-end, the two companies will be subsidiaries of SAF-Holland Group GmbH headquartered in Bessenbach, Germany with combined annual turnover of approximately $975 million.

The company will employ 3,000 people worldwide. Its combined product portfolio will be marketed under the Holland and SAF brand names.

Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.