Axel Johnson International acquires Acorn Industrial Services
With the acquisition of industrial parts distributor Acorn Industrial Services Group, Axel
Johnson International strengthens its position in the UK market and takes an important
step in growing its business within bearings and transmissions.
Acorn Industrial Services Group is a distributor of bearings, linear systems, power transmission
and related services. Founded in 1983, the company has grown into a respected industrial parts
distributor of quality products from industry leading manufacturers. The company has 9 sales
branches throughout the UK and an e-commerce platform supporting customers throughout
Europe. Acorn is well-known for its high technical competence, excellent logistics and market
leading e-commerce platform. Annual sales amounts to 21 MGBP, the number of employees is
approximately 100.
Acorn directors Martin Povey and Des Spillings will continue to lead and drive forward the
company’s continued growth strategies. “Acorn has grown tremendously over the last 10 years
and to continue our growth, and more importantly, to grow at a quicker pace, we needed to align
ourselves with a business that could bring with it skills and resources that we do not have
currently. With the European market place changing and consolidating quicker than at any time
in the past 20 years, we had to find the right partner for the future and we believe Axel Johnson
International to be this partner”, says Des Spillings, Managing Director of Acorn Industrial
Services Group.
“Acorn fits very well into the structure of our business and will be a valuable addition in our
ambition to grow the bearings and transmissions business. Over the years, Axel Johnson
International has invested in many leading niche players with strong positions in local markets
and outstanding customer relations, companies that continue developing and thriving in their new
setting”, says Mats R. Karlsson, CEO of Axel Johnson International.
Acorn Industrial Services Group will be a part of the business group AxIndustries, specialists in bearings, transmissions and related services. "We see opportunities for continued growth, valuable synergies and promising partnerships with our other group companies. The addition of
Acorn strengthens our customer offering and increases our geographical coverage, making us a
more interesting partner for both customers and suppliers", says Ola Sjölin, CEO of AxIndustries.
For further information, please contact:
Mats R. Karlsson, CEO and President, Axel Johnson International AB (opens new window),
Ola Sjölin, CEO, AxIndustries
Des Spillings, Managing Director, Acorn Industrial Services Group Ltd
Axel Johnson International is a next generation technology trade group. We provide products,
services and solutions that help industrial customers improve the efficiency, reliability, quality and safety of their operations.
The 90 companies that make up Axel Johnson International are all leaders in their respective niches, representing world-leading brands and adding value through efficient logistics, customised services, technical support, maintenance and advanced technical solutions.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Axel Johnson International has annual sales of SEK 6.5
billion, 2,640 employees and operations in more than 20 countries throughout Europe.