Südwind takeover by giant Balcke-Dürr

An agreement for the takeover of Berlin wind turbine manufacturer Südwind by giant Balcke-Dürr, owner of turbine builder Nordex Balcke-Dürr of Rerik, is close, says Martin Kühl of Südwind. It appears the company will operate independently and retain its Berlin headquarters. Walther Junior, the owner of Südwind, will remain as managing director, says Kühl. Balcke-Dürr signed a memorandum of understanding with Junior at the end of August to take over a majority stake in Südwind. "From the customer point of view little will change," says Kühl. The manufacture of Südwind turbines has already largely moved to Lichtenau in North Rhine Westfalia. Südwind hopes the might of Balcke-Dürr will help it gain a stronger foothold in markets overseas. "Südwind has been at a disadvantage when bidding for foreign projects because we weren't in a position to offer financing. Now we will have a strong financial partner which can act as a guarantor for our long term existence while we get on with the technical side of matters," says Kühl.