Key European Caterpillar dealer Zeppelin said recently on December 4 that it is to take over the sales and service of Cat construction equipment, rental solutions and drive and energy systems in Norway and the Netherlands from Pon Holdings. The transaction is subject to the customary approvals and consultation conditions. Zeppelin is currently the Cat dealer in Germany and in twelve other countries in Europe and Eurasia.
Part of the transaction comprises around 20 legal entities in Norway and the Netherlands with their portfolio of new and used machines, drive and energy systems, servicing and spare parts as well as solutions for equipment rental and the associated service. The acquisition means that the Zeppelin Group is growing by approximately 2,000 employees and around €1.1 billion in sales, making it one of the leading sales and service organisations worldwide for Cat products and a company with an even greater international footprint.
“With these two areas, we are strengthening the long-term partnership with Caterpillar at a global level,” comments Matthias Benz, Chairman of the Group Management Board of Zeppelin GmbH, referring to the transaction. “Zeppelin is thus growing in our well-known and proven core business. We will be able to offer our customers a wide range of solutions, products and services through our complementary product portfolio. We are proud that Caterpillar has expressed its confidence in us, and that we will operate in additional countries in future. We see a great deal of potential in these new regions and are pursuing a long-term growth strategy.”
After Dutch company Pon Holdings decided to explore the possibilities of a possible sale, Zeppelin was designated as a primary candidate for the coverage of these service territories by Caterpillar, bringing a strong track record effectively managing these service territories. Zeppelin and Pon Holdings have agreed that the legal entities in Norway and the Netherlands will be transferred to Zeppelin Group as part of a share deal. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities and successful completion of the consultation procedures with the relevant Dutch works councils.
Andreas Brand and his designated successor Simon Blümcke, as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Zeppelin GmbH, added: “Zeppelin has been active in the sales and service of Cat construction and mining equipment as well as engines since 1954. 70 years of partnership founded on trust are an excellent starting point for continuing this success story as a globally leading sales and service organisation for Cat products and a foundation-owned company with an even broader international presence.”
Janus Smalbraak, CEO of Pon Holdings, stated: “We enjoyed two successful decades with Caterpillar, and are pleased to now see our equipment and power business transition to Zeppelin. With their long-term vision and established partnership with Caterpillar, Zeppelin offers an ideal platform for further growth. This transition ensures continuity for our employees, customers, and partners.”
US company Caterpillar Inc. is the leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, gas turbines for industrial use and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. Caterpillar sells its products in different countries and regions via independent Cat dealers who are in charge of sales and service for Cat products. The Zeppelin Group has steadily expanded the service territories which it covers as well as its product and service portfolio over the years and is now active in numerous European and Eurasian countries.