AL-KO BOUGHT BY DAYE

It was announced this week that Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Daye Garden Machinery is taking over German manufacturer AL-KO Geräte for EUR20 million (USD22.1 million) in order to expand its global footprint.

According to a report on news site, Yicai Global, Daye is buying a 100 percent stake in Kotz-based AL-KO Geräte, supplier of brands such as AL-KO, solo by AL-KO, Masport and Morrison.

The report went on to say, the acquisition will provide Daye with manufacturing bases and technology development centres in Europe.

Service Dealer contacted AL-KO UK, whose md Stewart Anderson told us, "Our dealers in the UK will notice very little change following this news. Over the coming months we will sort out some details behind the scenes, but Daye is a quality manufacturer and the AL-KO name is not going anywhere."

Stewart continued, "We will be at Groundsfest next week to meet dealers and show off the latest models - and I'll be honest, I think this is the best thing that could have happened to AL-KO for the brand's long-term future."

We also heard from Paul Butterly, md of FGM Claymore who distribute the Masport machines in the UK who told us, "Masport is an important dealer brand in the UK, with a presence here since the 60s and was one of the first producers of a rear roller rotary. I would like to think things will remain as they are."