Parker Hannifin Corporation officials announce that they have signed an agreement to acquire the Olaer Group headquartered in Deeside, United Kingdom. Olaer is a leading manufacturer of a broad range of advanced hydraulic accumulator and cooling technologies to provide solutions for energy, mobile and industrial markets. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Olaer has annual sales of approximately 150 million Euros ($200 million) and employs 550 people. The company has manufacturing and sales facilities in the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and China and sales companies in 14 countries. Upon completion of the transaction, the acquired company will integrate into Parker's Hydraulics Group as part of the Industrial Segment. Approximately 88% of the sales will report as Industrial International and 12% as Industrial North America. 

"This acquisition, once completed, will allow us to strengthen our position in key growth areas both geographically and by end market," says Jeff Cullman, president, Parker's Hydraulics Group. "Olaer has built a strong position in Europe and a growing presence in Asia. Importantly, Olaer has a solid reputation in our target growth markets such as oil and gas, power generation, and renewable energy. The acquisition would also expand our product offering with the addition of cooling technologies, [deepening] our expertise in bladder accumulator technology. We look forward to the closing of this acquisition when we can welcome the Olaer employees to Parker."

"Joining Parker is absolutely the right move for Olaer now," states Mike Blenkinsop, CEO, Olaer Group. "This transaction will secure Olaer's continued development, with the added dimension of being an integral part of one of the world's leading manufacturing companies."