MAHLE intends to continue its growth in the aftermarket with thermal management products
- MAHLE plans acquisition of Hella's shares in the joint venture Behr Hella Service, transitional period until December 31, 2019 - Products and solutions for efficient thermal management are of great strategic importance for all powertrain technologies - Full spectrum of thermal management products for MAHLE Aftermarket customers from a single source
Stuttgart, August 9, 2018 - The MAHLE Group plans to acquire all the shares in Behr Hella Service GmbH, its current joint venture with Hella, and to distribute Behr Hella Service products via its own Aftermarket organization. This step will further strengthen MAHLE's position in thermal management. Following a transitional period, MAHLE intends to manage the spare parts business for thermal management products on its own, starting on January 1, 2020.
MAHLE and Hella have agreed that MAHLE will take over Hella's 50 percent share in the joint venture Behr Hella Service. The planned transaction is still subject to the approval by the antitrust authorities.
"Behr Hella Service has been a successful company for many years and is a perfect match for us, both strategically and technologically," says Arnd Franz, Member of the Management Board of the MAHLE Group and responsible for Automotive Sales and Application Engineering as well as for the Aftermarket business unit.
Established in 2005, the joint venture Behr Hella Service GmbH has specialized in the marketing and distribution of products for cooling and air conditioning in the automotive aftermarket. With the complete takeover of business activities, MAHLE will offer wholesalers and workshops the full spectrum of thermal management products from a single source in future.
"With this planned acquisition, we are complementing our Aftermarket product range by a business field of great long-term importance," explains Olaf Henning, Head of the MAHLE Aftermarket business unit. "Efficient thermal management will play an increasingly important role in future-for all powertrain technologies. This move will allow us to give the best possible support in this very promising area and to ensure the successful operation of workshops."
"Our long-standing partner MAHLE will continue managing the thermal management business of Behr Hella Service on its own in future. As a result, we will align our Aftermarket business more consistently with our strong original equipment competences, particularly in lighting and electronics, and will mesh these areas closely with our expertise in workshop equipment," says Dr. Andreas Habeck, responsible for Hella's Aftermarket business segment. "Together, we will make the transition of the business activities as smooth as possible for our customers."
Once the acquisition is complete, MAHLE will expand its distribution of thermal management products in the aftermarket outside Europe. The newly added activities are going to benefit from MAHLE Aftermarket's extensive sales network.
Find out more at the MAHLE press conference at Automechanika Frankfurt 2018 on September 11, 2018, at 4 p.m. in Hall 3.C, Exposé conference room.
About MAHLE
MAHLE is a leading international development partner and supplier to the automotive industry as well as a pioneer for the mobility of the future. The group's product portfolio addresses all the crucial issues relating to the powertrain and air conditioning technology-both for drives with combustion engines and for e-mobility. In 2017, the group generated sales of approximately EUR 12.8 billion with about 78,000 employees and is represented in more than 30 countries with 170 production locations.
About MAHLE Aftermarket
MAHLE Aftermarket, the business unit specializing in spare parts, uses the expertise from the series production of original equipment in its automotive aftermarket product range, and supplies trade, workshop, and engine repair partners. The portfolio also includes products developed by MAHLE Service Solutions for workshop equipment as well as comprehensive services and customized training programs. The full extent of this expertise is found in the MAHLE ORIGINAL, BRAIN BEE, BEHR, CLEVITE, IZUMI, KNECHT FILTER, and METAL LEVE brands.
MAHLE Aftermarket is represented at 25 locations and other sales offices worldwide, with around 1,600 employees. In 2017, the business unit achieved a global sales volume of over EUR 950 million.
For further information, contact: MAHLE GmbH Bettina Schlegel Corporate Communications/Public Relations Pragstraße 26-46 70376 Stuttgart/Germany Phone: +49 711 501-13185 E-mail: bettina.schlegel@mahle.com