BACHENBÜLACH, Switzerland— January 9, 2024 — The SF-Filter Group, headquartered in Bachenbülach (Canton of Zurich), has acquired Hermans Brems NV at the beginning of the year, a former distribution partner based in Halen, Belgium. With this acquisition, the group strengthens its position as one of the leading independent distribution platforms for mobile and industrial filters in the European market and expands its presence in Belgian Flanders.
Since its founding in 1968, SF-Filter has evolved into a leading provider of filter solutions for applications in areas such as air, fuel, hydraulics, oil, and pneumatics. With a broad range and end customers, as well as resellers, the company has established itself as a relevant one-stop-shop. Under the guidance of the funds advised by the investment company Equistone, SF-Filter has been pursuing an ambitious growth strategy since 2022, aiming to continuously expand its market position as the preferred filter partner throughout Europe through further acquisitions. Just in October 2023, the group acquired Busse & Kuntze Filter GmbH, one of the most well-known full-range suppliers for industry and commerce in Germany.
Through the acquisition of the former distribution partner Hermans Brems supported by Livingstone Partners, SF-Filter gains access to customers in the attractive Flemish aftermarket. Hermans Brems’ location will continue to be operated under the current management, and the employees will be fully retained. SF-Filter will primarily provide operational support and drive the further growth of Hermans Brems by giving the distribution access to the entire range of over 140,000 filters and support in digitalization investments. Hermans Brems is among the most renowned filter specialists in Flanders and has been established in the aftermarket for mobile and industrial filtration for decades.
“We are pleased to welcome Hermans Brems, a long-standing distribution partner, into the group, strengthening our regional presence in the Flemish market,” says Daniel Infanger, CEO of the SF-Filter Group. “The acquisition marks a successful start to 2024, where we intend to continue our growth strategy through further acquisitions.”
Geert Kleynen, managing director of Hermans Brems, explained: “We look back on extremely positive experiences with the previous majority owner, HSH Invest NV. For the next stage of development, we have found an important strategic partner in SF-Filter, who has already distinguished themselves through successful collaboration in the past. By continuing our business operations from our location in Flanders, we can ensure the best possible support for our customers, now further expanded through full access to the wide range of products and services from SF-Filter.”
Posted: January 9, 2024
Source: The SF-Filter Group
