Continental to purchase plastic hose maker Merlett Group

Hanover, Germany — Continental AG has reached an agreement to acquire the flexible hose business of Merlett Group, based in Daverio, Italy, the German group said July 1.

The plastics hose maker, it said, will expand Continental's material expertise beyond rubber, diversify its product portfolio and broaden its regional presence, especially in Europe.

Terms of the acquisition, which still requires regulatory approval, were not disclosed.

The deal covers Merlett's three manufacturing plants in Italy and Switzerland as well as its network of sales offices in 12 European countries.

The operations, which have a work force of around 500 employees, will join Continental's Industrial Fluid Solutions business unit, which is part of the firm's ContiTech division.

"This acquisition is another important step to become a global industrial solutions partner," Andreas Gerstenberger, head of the IFS business unit at Continental, said in a statement.

Noting Merlett's capabilities in engineering, processing and handling plastics, Gerstenberger said: "The performance of thermoplastic materials is increasing, which is broadening the long-term base for potential future sensor applications."

Compared to rubber, Continental said thermoplastic hoses are lighter, while meeting industry specifications such as those around antistatic behavior, oil-resistance and low-temperature resistance.

Founded in 1952 by the Tamborini family, Merlett designs, manufactures and distributes hoses for the agriculture, industrial, construction, transport and food industries.

The Italian group operates production sites in Daverio and Varano Borghi, and one in Rancate, Switzerland.

"We have grown as a family business for the past six decades and now … hand over to Continental to continue to advance the business," said Marco Tamborini, general director at Merlett.