Holding group Dacke Industri expands fluid technology division with UK purchase

Stockholm – Swedish industrial holding group Dacke Industri has acquired 80% of the shares in BTL-UK Ltd, a manufacturer of ball and roller bearings, mechanical power transmission components, and motion transfer linkages.

The transaction was completed on 3 July, and the current management team will retain the remaining 20% of shares, said Dacke Industri in an 8 July statement.

BTL-UK will join the group’s fluid power technology division and is expected to strengthen the its presence across Europe.

Headquartered in Ashford, Kent, with additional facilities in Ashford and Burgess Hill, BTL-UK Ltd employs 64 people and has an annual turnover of £11 million (€12.7 million).

The manufacturer serves a wide range of industries – including agriculture, construction, automotive, industrial, medical, and motorsport – supplying both OEMs and MRO/replacement markets across the UK, Europe, and globally.

According to its website, the is involved in a range of rubber-related businesses, notably through its global licence agreement with Sumitomo Rubber Group for the Dunlop brand.

The company manufactures a range of Dunlop-branded products, including power transmission belts and pulleys, bearings and linkages.

In addition, BTL-UK offers a range of related products under its own established brands, including TC Oil-Seals, MSK Medical, and Medway timing belts.

“With European and global markets changing rapidly, BTL-UK Ltd had to find the right partner to take the company to new heights,” said Raymond Mifsud, CEO and co-owner BTL-UK.

Dacke Industri, he said, will help the company achieve long-term growth ‘whilst preserving its heritage and legacy.’

Commenting on the acquisition, Mikael Lundgren, president fluid power technology of Dacke Industri and chairman of BTL-UK Ltd said the UK manufacturer had a “strong reputation for quality products and reliable aftersales support.”

This, he said, aligns well with Dacke Industri’s focus on meeting the needs of OEM customers.

“With their expertise and established distributor network, we... [will] strengthen further our offering and support for customers across the region,” Lundgren added.

Dacke Industri describes itself as “a long-term owner investing in innovative technology companies in selected niches with development potential.”

The group has 28 subsidiaries in four divisions, 1,700 employees worldwide, and reported net sales of SEK 4.7 billion (€422 million).