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Kobelco to acquire 70% of CNH Construction Equipment

Kobelco Construction Machinery has agreed to acquire a 70% stake in the construction equipment business of CNH Industrial, bringing the CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction brands into the Kobelco group.

The agreement will see CNH transfer its construction equipment operations into a newly established company, NewCo, in which Kobelco will acquire a majority shareholding. CNH will retain the remaining 30% stake, with both parties intending to develop a long-term partnership drawing on their respective strengths.

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval under applicable competition laws and other customary completion conditions.

The acquisition will bring together CNH's established global sales and service network and broad equipment portfolio with Kobelco's expertise in hydraulic excavators, cranes and digital construction technologies.

CNH's construction equipment business operates the CASE and New Holland brands globally, alongside Eurocomach, which specialises in compact construction equipment in Europe. Its product range covers everything from small and medium-sized machinery to larger equipment for infrastructure and public works projects, supported by an extensive dealer network across North America, Europe and Latin America.

Kobelco believes the acquisition will strengthen its presence in key international markets, particularly North and Latin America, while providing opportunities to broaden its product offering and develop its aftermarket business.

The companies also intend to combine their respective technologies, with Kobelco looking to integrate CNH's global navigation satellite system (GNSS) capabilities with its own digital construction solutions, including K-DIVE®. The aim is to provide a wider range of equipment and technology to address customer requirements on site.

A further priority will be expanding parts availability and aftermarket support by drawing on the combined installed base and wider sales and service networks. Kobelco says closer customer relationships following machine sales will help deliver additional value while providing a stronger foundation for long-term business growth.

Despite the proposed change in ownership, Kobelco has confirmed that there will be no immediate changes to existing aftermarket services, replacement parts supply, warranties or customer contact arrangements. Current procurement policies, trading terms and business processes will also remain unchanged.

Further details of products and services arising from the partnership, including regional availability and launch timings, will be announced as plans are finalised.

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