- The Safegate Group has successfully completed the acquisition of Thorn Airfield Lighting
- The acquisition makes Safegate an even stronger partner for the Airport industry
Malmö, Sweden - The Safegate Group has acquired the airfield lighting activities of the brand Thorn (Thorn AFL) from the Austrian company Zumtobel Group. Thorn AFL was a division within Thorn Lighting specialising, in the manufacture and sales of airfield ground lighting. Thorn is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional indoor and outdoor lighting systems and a member of the international Zumtobel Group of lighting companies.
Commenting on the acquisition of Thorn AFL, Safegate Group CEO Per-Olof Hammarlund said:
Safegate has taken another step in its drive for increased airport safety and efficiency through this acquisition. With a complete range of Products and Services, a "one stop shop", we will be able to provide even better value to our customers.
The Thorn AFL division has to date been handled by Thorn Europhane SA based in France, the Australian subsidiary Thorn DNT Airfield Lighting PTY Limited, and the UK sister company Thorn Lighting Limited. Sales have been managed from offices in France, England and Australia. Research and Development has been performed by the R&D department based in France.
The acquisition does not include the production facilities, so Zumtobel Group will continue to manufacture the AFL products for the Safegate Group. The production facilities in France will continue to be owned by the Zumtobel Group.
Thorn AFL will continue to operate under its own name as a stand-alone business unit. Hank Steuten will continue as Managing Director for the unit. Thorn AFL will benefit from Safegate's products, contacts and substantial Research and Development resources.
Together Safegate/Thorn will be a truly global company with sales forces in Sweden, France, UK, UAE, Qatar, Australia, Singapore and the US.
