Investment AB Latour (publ) has, through its subsidiary LSAB Group AB (LSAB), a part of Latour Industries AB, signed an agreement to acquire HDS Group GmbH (HDS).

HDS, established in 1999, is a manufacturer of sawblades and sawmill knives towards the sawmill industry. HDS has 64 employees, and the headquarters is situated in Remscheid, Germany. Revenue 2023 was 9.8 MEUR and historical financial performance is in line with Latour's financial targets.

LSAB is a leading provider of tools and services related to chip making in the wood and metal industries. Today LSAB have their own operations in six countries and export to another 40 countries around the world. Through the acquisition of HDS, LSAB Group reinforces its position in Germany (which is the largest market for sawn wood in Europe) as well as broadening the total customer offer.

"Together with HDS, LSAB will strengthen its position as a European supplier towards sawmill industry. HDS is a well-run company, and we are excited about them joining LSAB group. We are convinced that the strength of HDS as a specialized manufacturer will be further reinforced by being a part of LSAB and having additional exposure to the markets where LSAB is operating", says Hans Ekholm, CEO at LSAB Group AB.

"I am very grateful that HDS now will be a part of LSAB. The strong market position of LSAB will allow HDS to continue its growth journey while supporting LSAB with our unique knowledge", says Andreas Hindrichs, CEO HDS Group GmbH.

As an effect of the acquisition the net debt (excl. IFRS 16) of the Latour Group increases to almost SEK 13.3 billion compared to the net debt level at the end of September 2024, all else equal.

The acquisition will be completed in January 2025.

Gothenburg, December 20, 2024

INVESTMENT AB LATOUR (PUBL)
Johan Hjertonsson, CEO

For further information, please contact:
Tina Hultkvist, CEO Latour Industries, +46 706 65 12 88
Hans Ekholm, CEO LSAB Group, +46 730 39 97 60
Fredrik Lycke, Investment Director Investment AB Latour, +46 793 40 2802

LSAB Group AB, with headquarters in Gothenburg, has an annual turnover of SEK 598 (2023) and employees about 300 persons.

Investment AB Latour is a mixed investment company consisting primarily of a wholly-owned industrial operations and an investment portfolio of listing holdings in which Latour is the principal owner or one of the principal owners. The investment portfolio consists of ten substantial holdings with a market value of SEK 90 billion as of 30 November, 2024. The wholly-owned industrial operations have an annual turnover of SEK 27 billion.