LM sells brake business off on the cheap

DENMARK: LM Wind Power has reached a deal to sell its Svendborg Brakes subsidiary to US firm Altra Holdings at a substantial discount.

by Patrick Smith 11 November 2013

Svendborg manufactures brakes for the wind industry
The world's largest blade manufacturer said it will pocket EUR 80.1 million once the acquisition has been completed next year, well below the EUR 460 million paid for the firm in 2008.

The brake company was bought by British investment fund manager Doughty Hanson & Co, which also owns LM, in 2008 and was integrated into LM glassfiber to make LM Wind Power Group in 2009.

Manufacturing calliper brakes for the energy market and mining industry, Svendborg has "performed well in challenging circumstances", LM said in a statement.

Commenting on why the company chose to sell the company, LM CEO Leo Schot said: "LM Wind Power will renew its focus on the wind industry. The company has clear strategic growth plans... to secure its part in the rapidly growing offshore wind market."

Svendborg is expected to generate revenue of about EUR 62 million euros in 2013. Altra said it will finance the deal through a combination of cash and additional borrowings.