Bulten AB Announces Sale of European Automotive Contract Manufacturing Operations

Bulten AB (publ) disclosed that it has entered into a binding agreement to sell its European automotive contract manufacturing business to Swedish investment firm Maelir AB. The enterprise value of the deal is approximately €44.5 million, excluding any leasing debt.

The transaction encompasses the manufacturing sites located in Sweden, Romania, Germany and Poland, employing roughly 1,000 employees. After adjusting for cash, debt, working‑capital and other items, the total consideration is expected to be SEK 273 million, comprising SEK 41 million in cash payable at completion and a secured vendor note of SEK 232 million. The closing is targeted for no later than October 2026, subject to the receipt of required regulatory approvals.

Based on the company’s 2025 figures, the divestiture will reduce Bulten’s annual net sales by about SEK 1.9 billion, which represents approximately 38 % of the group’s net sales. In connection with this sale and previously announced divestitures in China and the United States, Bulten expects to record a total write‑down of roughly SEK 1.06 billion. Despite the write‑down, the company anticipates a positive impact on earnings per share on a pro‑forma basis.

Following the sale, Bulten will retain its full‑service provider business in the United Kingdom and will refocus its portfolio on higher‑value activities such as C‑Parts management, sourcing, distribution and precision manufacturing. The divested business will be re‑classified as assets held for sale from the second quarter of 2026. Brand rights associated with the sold operations will transfer to Maelir AB at completion, while Bulten will retain usage rights for up to 24 months.

"This transaction marks an important step in Bulten’s transformation," said Axel Berntsson, President and CEO of Bulten AB. "For Bulten, the transaction creates a more focused and less capital‑intensive group, with a higher share of value‑added activities and a clearer platform for profitable growth."

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