SABO sets course for the future
SABO Maschinenfabrik GmbH is changing its ownership from Deere & Company (John Deere, NYSE:DE) to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of July 2020.
SABO is one of the leading brands for high-quality lawn mowers and garden care products in Europe. The company has been based and produced in Gummersbach, Germany, since 1932 and has been part of Deere & Company since 1991.
Mutares is a private investment company based in Munich that specializes 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, production site 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, there will be little change in day-to-day 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 tools in Europe. The company is particularly well positioned with its broad portfolio of high-performance battery systems. Nevertheless, as part of the recently announced “Smart Industrial” strategy, John Deere intends to focus more strongly on central production systems. Future investments in walk-behind mowers no longer represent a strategic fit.
Johannes Laumann, CIO of Mutares is pleased with the addition of SABO to the Goods & Services division 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 is the best choice as new owner to drive SABO’s growth due to its proven expertise and operational experience. Mutares has very ambitious targets in terms of growth and speed, as they are currently successfully demonstrating with the keeeper Group. Mutares is determined to successfully realize 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. The company has been based in Gummersbach, Germany, since 1932 and has been a subsidiary of Deere & Company since 1991. The company employs around 125 people and has a fully integrated development center and various testing facilities at its production site.
SABO’s comprehensive product portfolio is complemented by a wide range of spare parts. SABO sells its products through an extensive distribution network of more than 1100 specialized dealers in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Switzerland as well as through its own online store.
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.