Metso merger with Atlas Copco mining unit a possibility - report (translated)
02 FEB 2017
Metso [HEL:METSO], the Finnish industrial machinery group, could merge with the mining unit of Swedish Atlas Copco [ATCOA:SS], according to Arvopaperi.
In a speculative, unsourced column, the paper noted Swedish Cevian Capital's, run by Christer Gardell, influence on both the Swedish industrial companies. It added that Gardell is driving the split of the Swedish industrial group ABB, owned majority by the Swedish Wallenberg family through their company Investor [STO:INVE].
Wallenberg’s Investor also owns Atlas Copco, which is currently undergoing a split into two units by creating a new listed mining company in Sweden. The item said that Gardell is the second largest owner in Metso for over ten years and with its current valuation should not consider an exit.
Gardell who also sits on Metso’s board, could grow by merging with another company, like the Finnish Outotec, which is often reportedly mentioned as a potential merger partner for Metso, the item noted. It added soon there will be a mining company that may make a potential merger partner for Metso while referring to Atlas Copco’s mining unit.