Change of ownership at SABO: Mutares succeeds John Deere
SABO sets course for the future
SABO Maschinenfabrik GmbH changes its ownership from Deere & Company (John Deere, NYSE:DE) to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The transaction is expected to close by the end of July 2020.
SABO is one of the leading brands for high-quality lawn mowers and garden care products in Europe. Since 1932, the company has been located and manufactured in Gummersbach, Germany and has been part of Deere & Company since 1991.
Mutares is a private equity company based in Munich, which specialises in the acquisition and management of medium-sized companies. Mutares currently owns 13 companies in three industry segments: Automotive & Mobility, Engineering & Technology and Goods & Services.
SABO will retain its workforce, brand, manufacturing location and portfolio of walk-behind lawn mowers and portable garden tools. The company will continue to supply its customers in Germany and other European countries with high-quality products and services. For employees, customers, suppliers and sales partners, little will change in everyday business.
According to Tim Merrett, Vice President John Deere Turf and Utility, SABO is one of the leading brands for high-quality lawn mowers and walk-behind garden equipment in Europe. The company is very well positioned, especially with its broad portfolio of high-performance battery systems. Nevertheless, John Deere intends to focus more on core production systems as part of its recently announced “Smart Industrial” strategy. Future investments in walk-behind mowers no longer represented a strategic fit.
Johannes Laumann, CIO of Mutares is pleased about the addition of SABO to the Goods & Services business unit and welcomes the SABO employees to the Mutares family. SABO is a very well known brand in the garden and outdoor market. Laumann is convinced that Mutares’ proven expertise and operational experience make it the best choice as the new owner to drive SABO’s growth. Mutares has very ambitious goals in terms of growth and speed, as they are currently successfully demonstrating with the keeeper Group. Mutares is determined to successfully realise SABO’s potential.
Company profile of SABO Maschinenfabrik GmbH
SABO is one of the leading brands for high-quality lawn mowers and garden care products for private and commercial customers in Europe. Since 1932, the company has been located and manufactured in Gummersbach, Germany and was a subsidiary of Deere & Company since 1991. The company employs approximately 125 people and has a fully integrated development centre and various test facilities at its production site.
SABO’s comprehensive product portfolio is complemented by a wide range of spare parts. SABO sells its products through a comprehensive distribution network of more than 1,100 specialist dealers in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Switzerland, as well as through its own online shop.
SABO looks back on a long tradition and expertise as a manufacturer of hand-held lawn mowers and enjoys an excellent reputation as a leading supplier of quality products with the “Made in Germany” seal. The company’s products are known for their durability.
