IN FOCUS

The acquisition by Sulzer of the pump business of Ahlstrom Corporation, Helsinki, Finland has now been finalized. The parties have completed negotiations and agreed to a takeover price of EUR 160 million (about CHF 250 million). The transaction has also been approved by the antitrust authorities.

On Monday, ACHEMA 2000, the international Exhibition Congress for chemical engineering, environmental protection, and biotechnology, opened with strong attendance and an optimistic atmosphere among attendees and exhibitors. 4,148 exhibitors from 48 countries are presenting the latest developments in plant and equipment, technology and know-how for the chemical and other process industry sectors. The 145,572 m2 net exhibition space is divided among 9 halls and an open air area. There are twelve thematic exhibition groups and special show on biotechnology. Since the last event in 1997, the number of exhibitors has increased by 12.2 % and the net exhibi-tion area has grown by 3.5 %, beating all previous records.

Sanitaire Corporation, which became a part of ITT Flygt in January 1999, will supply over 100,000 diffusers and 96 large ABJ stainless steal decanters over an eight month period, beginning in April 2001, at a value of over US$12.5 million. The process equipment requires minimum maintenance, and enables plant personnel to observe effluent quality at all times, it also provides emergency overflow control and a uniform rate of discharge.

KSB’s key pump topic at the Achema 2000 is “Life Cycle Cost Reduction”. The features focused on are improved efficiency and increased reliability of the new sealless pumps.

Operating profit reached 37 MSEK (same as last year ) thanks to the good development of sales of cost-effective pumps, mixers and aerators to the Water and Waste water segment. Invoiced sales for the first quarter of 2000 increased to 571 Million Swedish Crowns (last year 538).

Sulzer has acquired the pump activities of the A. Ahlstrom Corporation, Helsinki. Final closing is expected in mid May, subject to approval of the regulatory and antitrust authorities. This strategic acquisition gives Sulzer a leading position in pumps for the pulp and paper industry. Sulzer Pumps sales will rise thereby from EUR 445 million (CHF 710 million) to EUR 580 million (CHF 930 million). Personnel will increase by 1000 to about 5000 employees in total. The purchase price is approximately EUR 145 million (CHF 230 million).

Denmark-Finland. As from May 1 2000, Sarlin Pumps of Finland will be taken over by the Grundfos pump manufacturing Group, reaffirming its strategic objective of becoming a leading player within the waste-water pump business.

A contract confirming the purchase has been signed. In the future the Sarlin Group will focus on the business areas of Beamex, Sarlin Furnaces, Sarlin-Hydor, and Sarlin Automation.

Sarlin Pumps bring to their new owner complementary waste-water products, service, and competence, making Grundfos the natural choice for customers, including wholesalers, utility companies, and contractors looking for complete pumping solutions in the framework of waste-water pumps sized up to 600 kW.

With almost 4,000 exhibitors from all the continents of the world and a quarter of a million visitors from more than 100 countries, ACHEMA will be setting the standard again in the year 2000 and pointing the way for the future in the process industries. We would like to invite all professionals from the fields of chemical engineering, environmental protection and biotechnology to join us at ACHEMA 2000 from 22-27 May in Frankfurt am Main.

Spaix® is a new generation of pump selection software by VSX, one of the leading manufacturers of such software. Spaix® Classic is the PC version of the new product. Complete documentation as well as a demo version are available at the producer’s web site.

Sweden. At the turn of the year Grundfos’ Swedish sales company took over all shares and activities of JL Pump Co AB with workshop and offices in Gothenburg as well as a branch office in Stockholm.