May 14, 2007 — Wisconsin-based Kohler Co. has agreed to buy Lombardini S.r.l., an Italian manufacturer of small diesel and gasoline engines, for an undisclosed price. Lombardini has five plants in Europe and Asia, and is represented worldwide through seven commercial subsidiaries marketing four brands: Lombardini, Lombardini Marine, Ruggerini Diesel, and Acme Motori.
The seller is Luxembourg's Mark IV Industries Inc. The acquisition is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.
According to Kohler's Global Power Group president Dick Fotsch, the purchase "will provide a strong complement to our existing Engine Business by adding a complete diesel engine line to serve the needs of our commercial and consumer customers worldwide."
Kohler Co.'s various divisions produce kitchen and bath products, engines and power-generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors. The new acquisition will expand its geographic reach in Europe and North Africa. "Lombardini is a strong geographic complement to our engine business and we're pleased to add contemporary diesel technology to our product offering," stated Fotsch. He said Lombardini's advances in cleaner, quieter diesel engines are a complement to Kohler's commitment to environmentally sound products.
Kohler's engine division manufactures air- and liquid-cooled, four-cycle gasoline engines in the 4- to 38-horsepower range. Kohler supplies engines to lawn and garden equipment manufacturers worldwide, as well as to builders of engines for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and construction equipment. Kohler manufactures engines at three North American plants, and at a joint-venture operation in China.
Lombardini manufactures small diesel, gas, and petrol engines ranging from 3- to 72-horsepower, for industrial, transportation, agriculture, marine, and light-construction industries. "By being acquired by Kohler Co., Lombardini will become part of a group committed to growing the Engine Business globally," stated Dr. Gianni Borghi, Lombardini's CEO. "We're confident that the combined engineering expertise and worldwide market support will serve our original equipment customers and end customers very well."