Trading in Robit Plc’s shares on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd’s official list commented today

Trading in the shares of Robit Plc commenced today, 17 May 2017, on the official list maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

“The past two years as a public company have proved that Robit has successfully implemented its strategy. Since the listing, Robit has continued to grow organically and through acquisitions allowing the company to take a step towards “Robit 3.0″ growth phase Nasdaq Helsinki Main market company. We are very proud of Robit’s achievements and ready to continue implementing our growth strategy. The targets of entering the main list are to increase the awareness of the company and improve the liquidity of the share as well as to reach new owners. Entering the main market of Nasdaq Helsinki is part of the company’s growth and strategic development”, says Harri Sjöholm, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Robit.

Violetta Hünninen
IR & Communication

Robit Plc establishes manufacturing operations in USA via asset purchase

Robit Plc has today signed and closed an agreement to purchase the manufacturing assets and IPRs from Halco International LLC and Halco America LLC. Seventy percent of the purchase was paid during closing at this date and thirty percent will be paid by 30th April 2017. Parties have agreed that purchase prices for the deals are not disclosed.

As a part of the global growth strategy Robit Plc strengthens significantly its footprint in USA. Thanks to the purchase, the manufacturing unit in Sherman, near Dallas, is now under Robit Group’s ownership. With this strategic step Robit Plc strengthens its growth especially in USA and in the Americas Region. As the result of this purchase, Robit Plc is able to build an own manufacturing unit with related service point and stock, which will be located just in the middle of the region. This way, Robit Plc can secure improved service and delivery to the distributors and the direct customers.

With this purchase Robit Plc receives the strong brand of Halco, excellent presence in USA, IPRs and a base to grow the production volume in USA. Robit Plc will be manufacturing its DTH-line products with the target market being especially the Americas Region. Range covers all common sizes used in quarrying, construction, mining and well drilling.

Factory is located 50 miles north of Dallas, in the city of Sherman. Factory´s highly integrated supply chain network links through multiple transportation modes, including air and express delivery services, freight rail and truck transport. For example as addition to DFW International Airport, there are 3 other airports in the Dallas area. Both Fedex and UPS have their depos next door.

Factory area itself is 40.000 square feet, which equals to 4000 m2. Other space area includes 11 open office desks, 2 offices, a meeting room, training room and receptionist desk.

Halco is a pioneer brand in Down-the-Hole drilling with the brand name originating from Halifax Tool Co, UK 1948. Both Halco companies were owned by Regent, a private equity company from California. Regent acquired Halco from Caterpillar on 2014. Prior the sale in 2014, Caterpillar invested heavily into the facilities and machinery.

“Halco has trusted products and long history in the Down the Hole business originating from 1948.”

“The factory has been modernized during Caterpillar ownership”