Autofric is a niche business that started in Hagfors in Värmland in 1984 as a competent subcontractor of, among other things, machines for sewage water treatment plants. The business was soon further developed to also include its own screw manufacturing using in-house developed machines and own developed products for highly efficient dewatering of sludge and residues from, for example, treatment plants and industrial processes. The customer base is broad and is located in both the private and public sectors based in the Nordic region but also several global customers.

"After many years as CEO and co-owner of Autofric, I have together with the other partners decided to transfer our shares to Berner Industrier. I believe that their goal to be a long-term owner and continue to invest in new products and markets is the correct direction. The fantastic efforts of our employees have been crucial to our growth journey. Their dedication has made everything we have accomplished possible. Our close ties with the local community is an important contributing factor," says Jan Åslund, CEO and former co-owner of Autofric.

In 2024, the company had sales of approximately SEK 60 million with good profitability. The company has built a strong brand where competence, quality and efficiency have been success factors for the company.

"Autofric is a good fit for Berner Industrier with its solid technical know-how and proven excellent quality thanks to the high level of expertise and long experience of its employees. The company is active in areas where increased demands for technical and sustainable solutions create new opportunities for skilled companies such as Autofric. We look forward to continuing to work with the strong team," says Caroline Reuterskiöld, President and CEO of Berner Industrier.

Autofric will continue to be run as an independent company within Berner Industrier. The purchase price will initially amount to SEK 55 million on a debt-free basis for Autofric including its subsidiary, plus a possible earn-out of up to SEK 20 million. The earn-out consideration is based on the company's performance during the period from the closing until the end of the financial year 2028. The acquisition is financed within the Group's existing financing, preliminarily to be completed in the second quarter of 2025 and is estimated to make a positive contribution to the Group's earnings per share.