ASSA ABLOY acquires Helton

ASSA ABLOY has acquired the Canadian company Helton, a manufacturer of hardware for sectional doors for residential and industrial customers. The Helton group operates in the Canadian and US markets. "I am very pleased to announce that our growth in the entrance automation segment continues. This is a first strategic entry to the North American market within sectional doors," says Johan Molin, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. "Following the important addition of FlexiForce last year, this is a good step to enhance our position as the global leader in sectional door hardware and gives us a presence in North America. Helton also brings an experienced management team and a wide presence in the Canadian and US markets," says Juan Vargues, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of Division Entrance Systems. The Helton group has 235 employees. The company is based in Abbotsford in Western Canada. Sales is expected to reach CAD 54 M (approx SEK 370 M) in 2012 with a good EBIT margin. The acquisition is accretive to EPS from start. The deal was closed simultaneously with signing on May 10, 2012. For more information, please contact: Johan Molin, President and CEO, tel no: +46 8 506 485 42 Carolina Dybeck Happe, CFO and Executive Vice President, tel no: +46 8 506 485 72 Press release PDF: http://hugin.info/1014/R/1611209/512395.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: ASSA ABLOY via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1611209]