DRILLING: Epiroc to acquire Canadian exploration tool maker

STOCKHOLM – Epiroc, a leading productivity partner for the mining, infrastructure and natural resources industries, has agreed to acquire Fordia Group, a Canadian manufacturer of exploration drilling tools. Fordia Group is based in Montreal and has sales in more than 70 countries. It provides exploration drilling tools such as diamond bits, down-the-hole tools, drill rods and drill casings, as well as water treatment systems and pumps used by the mining industry and drilling contractors. Its high quality solutions are known in the industry to benefit customers by for example improving penetration rates and extending bit life. Fordia has about 250 employees and had revenues for the 12 months ending September 2018 of about $85 million. “This acquisition is strategically important as we increase our focus on the exploration segment,” said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s senior executive VP Mining and Infrastructure. “The solid team at Fordia will play a key role as we continuously strengthen our value offering to customers.” The acquisition is expected to be completed in the first quarter 2019. The purchase price is not material relative to Epiroc’s market capitalization and is not disclosed. The business will become part of Epiroc’s rock drilling tools division, and will continue to be based in Montreal. To learn more about Fordia, please see www.Fordia.com.