The Danfoss Group has announced its intent to acquire full ownership of privately held White Drive Products, Inc., a leading manufacturer of hydraulic motors that is headquartered in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and which represents an ideal match to the Danfoss business segment, Danfoss Power Solutions.
The combining of Danfoss Power Solutions and White Drive Products will create a strong global player in the hydraulic motor market.
“This acquisition confirms our strategic focus on building leading positions in our core businesses. White Drive Products is widely recognized for its excellence in hydraulic drive products and is a perfect fit for our mobile hydraulics business,” said Niels B Christiansen, president and CEO, Danfoss.
With White Drive Products as part of our mobile hydraulics business, we stand even stronger, in particular, in North America and China. Together, we will have an even more comprehensive and competitive product offering that our customers will benefit from.”
Both White Drive Products and Danfoss Power Solutions are well-performing companies, and combined the two businesses will create a significant player in the market with an excellent global footprint. White Drive Products has a strong presence in the USA and China, and Danfoss Power Solutions a strong presence in Europe. The two players join forces with the clear ambition of accelerating growth and becoming market leader in all regions.
“Joining forces is a great step for both Danfoss and White Drive Products, and this is a unique growth opportunity for both organizations. Together, we will have more capacity and investment for greater innovation, market synergies, and most importantly, growth, by using our increased manufacturing footprint to expand market share. We are proud that Danfoss has chosen to build upon Hollis White’s legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship”, said Rich Maddux, CEO, White Drive Products.
White Drive Products was founded in 1976 by Harvey and Hollis White, Jr. The company has over 700 employees and reported sales of approximately US$100m in 2015. It has manufacturing facilities in both Hopkinsville and Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China, as well as sales and distribution offices in the USA, China and Europe.
The acquisition is subject to necessary approvals by relevant agencies, such as competition authorities. The acquisition is expected to be fully completed during Q3 2016. The parties have not disclosed the purchase price or other conditions of the acquisition.
July 15, 2016
