DexKo Global, a global provider of highly engineered running gear technology and chassis assemblies and related components, is planning to expand the core business of AL-KO Vehicle Technology through the acquisition of E&P Hydraulics, based in Nieuw-Vennep (The Netherlands), its general importer for Germany, E&P Hydraulics Germany, as well as the company Reisemobil-Service Fischer in Elsdorf (North Rhine Westphalia) (collectively, E&P). DexKo says this acquisition will expand AL-KO’s product portfolio in the field of professional support system solutions for caravans, motorhomes and light commercial vehicles.
E&P is a leading manufacturer of professional leveling system solutions for caravans, motorhomes and light commercial vehicles. DexKo noted that since E&P’s founding more than 10 years ago, the company has become known as a highly dynamic and innovative company, making a major contribution to the success of lifting support systems in the leisure vehicle market. With this acquisition, AL-KO will bundle all competencies in leveling systems. Reisemobil-Service Fischer in Elsdorf will be expanded into the Customer Service Center West, through which AL-KO will sell its core products in the future.
E&P’s three owners – Eric Klinkenberg and Pierre Blom (E&P Netherlands) and Kay Fischer (E&P Germany / Reisemobil-Service Fischer) – will retain their key functions as a management team under the wings of AL-KO Vehicle Technology. The E&P brand also will be continued in its existing form as a product brand under the AL-KO umbrella brand.
Fred Bentley, CEO at DexKo Global, said, “We are delighted that E&P is joining the DexKo family. E&P is known for its high-quality products and strong customer focus and enjoys a very high reputation in our industry, which makes it an ideal fit within DexKo. We continue to see opportunities to improve our product offering and service levels through the type of value-added acquisitions that we have recently announced.”
Harald Hiller, president of AL-KO Vehicle Technology, emphasized the significance of this transaction. “By integrating E&P we are strengthening and expanding the portfolio of our core business. I am particularly pleased that the E&P leadership team will be retained in its existing form and will support us in the future with its extensive know-how and expertise,” said Hiller.
Klinkenberg and Blom stated that this combination offers great opportunities for the future and opens up additional development potential and further access to international markets.
Fischer added, “Finding a strong and reliable partner in AL-KO was very important to us as this will enable us to continue on our growth track.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
DexKo Global is a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners LP. KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Funds, a family of investment funds with approximately $5.2 billion of assets under management.