HANZA Expands Market Reach with Strategic Leden Acquisition

HANZA's Strategic Acquisition of Leden Group

In a significant move to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, HANZA AB has entered into an agreement to acquire Leden Group, an esteemed Finnish company specializing in advanced mechanics manufacturing. This acquisition is valued at approximately SEK 1.1 billion, representing a strategic milestone in the company's ambitious HANZA 2025 strategy.

Key Aspects of the Acquisition

Leden Group operates as a contract manufacturer, excelling in sheet metal, machining, and complex assembly with a robust operational network that includes four production facilities in Finland and another in Estonia. In addition, the company is involved in the importation, processing, and sale of sheet metal, as well as the production of its own steel profiles. With a diverse portfolio, Leden serves a range of industries such as power management, medical technology, IT infrastructure, and industrial automation.

This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance HANZA's offerings in Finland and the surrounding Baltic region, boosting both capacity and expertise in advanced mechanics manufacturing.

Transaction Overview

The transaction involves the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Leden Group Oy. The purchase price is structured on a multiple of 7 times the EBITA outcome for 2025, on a cash and debt-free basis. The payment will be made through a combination of cash and newly issued shares of HANZA. This arrangement allows the sellers to remain invested in HANZA's future growth potential.

Payment Structure

Upon closure, the transaction will include a cash payment of EUR 21 million along with the issuance of 2.3 million shares of HANZA, valued at EUR 14 million, equivalent to around SEK 70 per share. This implies a dilution of roughly 5% of existing shares.

Moreover, the purchase price is designed to potentially increase by up to EUR 15 million based on the earnings growth of Leden during 2025. Additionally, depending on HANZA's stock performance, there may be a further increase of 300,000 shares allocated.

All shares issued as part of this agreement will be subject to lock-up clauses to ensure alignment with the long-term vision of the company. The cash component for the payment is fully secured through available credit lines and existing resources.

Leadership Insights

Erik Stenfors, CEO of HANZA, expressed strong optimism regarding the acquisition, stating, "By acquiring Leden, we are taking a crucial step to realize our strategic goals for HANZA 2025. The company’s robust market position and technological capabilities will greatly enhance our offerings."

Vision for Growth

Jukka Haapalainen, CEO of Leden, echoed the sentiment, sharing enthusiasm about joining forces. "We are eager to become an integral part of HANZA. Our shared values will pave the way for accelerated and profitable growth, leveraging HANZA’s unique contracting manufacturing concept."

Future Outlook

The finalization of this acquisition is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025, contingent upon receiving necessary regulatory approvals. This strategic move is essential to HANZA's operational blueprint, branding it as a pivotal element in achieving sales targets of SEK 6.5 billion with an operational margin of 8% by 2025.

Conclusion

This acquisition marks a transformational period for HANZA AB. By integrating Leden’s capabilities and market know-how, HANZA is poised to enhance its competitive edge within the manufacturing industry while driving growth across its expanded service offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of HANZA's acquisition of Leden?

The acquisition strengthens HANZA's operational capabilities in advanced mechanics manufacturing, particularly in Finland and the Baltic region.

How much is HANZA investing in Leden Group?

The acquisition is valued at approximately SEK 1.1 billion, featuring a cash payment and newly issued shares of HANZA.

What will the structural changes be after the acquisition?

With the acquisition, HANZA plans to increase its manufacturing capacity and leverage Leden's technological expertise.

When is the acquisition expected to be completed?

The deal is anticipated to be finalized by the first quarter of 2025, following necessary regulatory reviews.

What are HANZA's financial goals for 2025?

HANZA aims to achieve sales of SEK 6.5 billion while maintaining an operational margin of 8%.

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