Caterpillar Inc. signed a definitive agreement to acquire Johan Walter Berg AB, including its core brand of Berg Propulsion, a leading manufacturer of mechanically and electrically driven propulsion systems and marine controls for ships. With the acquisition, Caterpillar will transition from selling only engines and generators to providing complete marine propulsion package systems.
Headquartered in Öckerö Islands, Sweden, Berg has designed and manufactured heavy-duty marine thrusters and controllable pitch propellers since 1929. Its proprietary systems are employed in maritime applications throughout the world that require precise maneuvering and positioning.
Tom Frake, Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Marine and Petroleum Power Division, said, “Our team will now be able to provide worldwide Caterpillar support to marine operators for a complete, optimized propulsion package, including bow thrusters, gear boxes and shaft alternators.”
Berg will become part of the Caterpillar Marine and Petroleum Power Division, which supplies diesel and natural gas engines for the generation, control and supply of mechanical and electric power for the marine and petroleum industries.
Berg’s thrusters, propellers and control systems will be rebranded as Caterpillar soon after the close of the deal, which is expected in the third quarter 2013, pending final regulatory approvals.
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