The acquisition, which is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities, will enable Rubix Germany to expand its product range across tools, factory equipment and personal & protective equipment (PPE) while increasing its regional expansion in Germany. The transaction is expected to complete in 2019 and includes all associated companies within the Lerbs Group.
Lerbs, headquartered in Stuhr near Bremen, was established 70 years ago, and is a distributor of PPE, fastening technology, non-ferrous metals, welding technology, factory equipment, tools and technical machine elements. More than 300 employees across 12 locations ensure that deliveries of the company’s current range of 150,000 articles are made to customers from industry, trade, handicraft and local authorities. In 2018 Lerbs generated sales of €90m.
Kai-Uwe Meyer (COO) and Marc Schötz (CFO) will continue to manage the company.
Reinhard Banasch, CEO of Rubix DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), said: “The proposed acquisition of Lerbs is the next logical step to establishing Rubix as a multi-specialist. With this acquisition, we are following our strategy of further developing our regional coverage in Germany and expanding our product range in a targeted way. The Lerbs Group helps to develop our business the areas of tools, factory equipment and PPE, so that we can offer our customers even more solutions and expertise in future.”
Kai-Uwe Meyer, COO of the Lerbs Group, says: “This planned acquisition is very good news for our company and our customers. As part of the Rubix Group, we will be able to offer an even more comprehensive product range and an even bigger package of modern services and technical solutions. It is the right step for a successful future.”
Marc Schötz, CFO of the Lerbs Group, adds: “The market is changing at a rapid rate, and the participants are constantly having to face new challenges. Being a part of the Rubix Group puts us in an excellent position. We have got to know Rubix as a very agile, innovative group of companies with committed employees and a 100 percent focus on the customer. We are looking forward to being part of this group and inspiring our customers with new products and services.”