Press Release:
Kinnarps makes a major acquisition in Germany
Kinnarps, the Swedish-owned supplier of furnishing solutions for offices and public spaces, has announced its acquisition of the German operations of Samas, one of Germany’s workplace furniture market leaders. Through the acquisition, Kinnarps becomes one of the leading suppliers in Europe, whilst increasing its presence and product range in the German market.
“The acquisition of Samas’s German operations gives us a very strong market position in Germany, which is the leading market for office interior solutions in Europe,” says Henry Jansson, CEO and President of Kinnarps. “The acquisition also strengthens our position with regard to both the wider European and international markets.”
The acquisition of Samas, Germany, includes two production units, a range of locally adapted products, a strong brand portfolio and a comprehensive sales organisation.
Even before the Samas acquisition, Kinnarps was a leading workplace furniture supplier in Europe, exported to more than 40 countries worldwide, had 16 sales companies of its own and 200 showrooms globally.
“We will have a leading product and brand portfolio for further European and international development, says Henry Jarlsson. “A strong local presence and more complete offers to the market give good potential for the future. The Kinnarps Group is now better equipped than ever, in terms of product, production and markets.”
Commenting on the possible longer-term impact of the acquisition on the company’s UK operations, Kinnarps UK MD Paul Van de Heyde comments: “Although the immediate focus is to strengthen and build on the brands in Germany, the long term implications offer exciting opportunities for the UK market, particularly as Kinnarps UK builds both its product portfolio and reach across Britain with more local business centres."
Samas Germany has a turnover around 1 billion SEK (c. £86.9m) and together with Kinnarps the yearly, calculated turnover will be around 4.5 billion SEK (c. £391.1m). The combined workforce will number around 2,500 employees. Samas is well known in Germany for its brands Drabert, Martin Stroll, Fortschritt, MBT and Schärf. Samas products are at the cutting edge of design and ergonomics.