JCB—Vibromax

Germany: JCB is to make its first acquisition since 1968 by acquiring Vibromax, a compaction equipment manufacturer based near Leipzig, Germany. The value of the deal was not disclosed. Vibromax has sales of about 2500 machines per year, with a value of € 40 million (US$ 50 million). According to JCB managing director and CEO, John Patterson, Vibromax's sales are split evenly between Europe and North America, with a small volume going to South-East Asia. “Our best estimate is that Vibromax has a 4% to 5% share of the world market. If we're going to be a player in the industry, we need at least 10% to be credible,” he said.