YANMAR ACQUIRES MAJORITY OF BATTERY COMPANY

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd., has announced it has acquired a majority share in ELEO Technologies B.V., a battery technology company based in Helmond, the Netherlands.

The company says by integrating ELEO’s advanced, scalable, and modular battery technology, they will further its electrified powertrain capabilities with versatile, customised solutions for off-road applications.

“We are thrilled to partner with Yanmar”, said ELEO co-founder Bas Verkaik. “Yanmar’s leading position, premium brand reputation, global network and decades-long experience in off-road applications and ELEO’s advanced modular battery systems are a perfect match to accelerate the adoption of electrified powertrain solutions worldwide.”

Yanmar acquired a majority share in ELEO through its subsidiary Yanmar Europe B.V., by means of a series of related transactions including a full exit of early-stage investor Lumipol Group. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

After joining the Yanmar Group as part of Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., ELEO will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity under its own brand at its current location in Helmond, the Netherlands. ELEO’s founders Bas Verkaik, Jeroen Bleker and Bram van Diggelen, will maintain their focus on strengthening the company’s technology and accelerating business growth. The founders will be joined by key executives from Yanmar to form the company’s management board.

“Yanmar is committed to delivering electric powertrain solutions that enable our customers to adopt zero-emission technology without compromising on productivity,” said Tomohisa Tao, President of Yanmar Power Technology. “The investment in ELEO gives us the opportunity to adopt highly innovative technology that has been engineered for the tough conditions in which our end-users work."