The Holland Group and Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH (SAF) today announced plans to merge the two companies. SAF is a supplier of integrated axle and suspension systems for trailers, with headquarters in Germany.

Holland Group supplies coupling, lift and suspension systems for trucks, tractors and trailers, with headquarters in Michigan.
Terms of the arrangement were not disclosed; the merger is expected to occur by the end of the month.
Both companies are original equipment suppliers with highly complementary products, leading market positions and strong management teams. The merger creates a global supplier of transportation equipment with 26 manufacturing and warehousing facilities worldwide. The two companies also share a similar history. Both began as suppliers of horse-drawn agricultural products before evolving into suppliers to the heavy transportation industry, and both have been privately held family businesses.
The Holland Group is an internationally recognized leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of components to the transportation industry, specializing in coupling, lift and suspension systems for trucks, tractors and trailers. Products include tractor fifth wheels and trailer landing gear, suspensions, kingpins, couplers and roll formed components. Holland Group products are standard equipment at original equipment manufacturers, with significant presence in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and are sold and serviced by more than 2,500 distribution locations.
SAF is a recognized specialist in integrated axle and suspension systems for trailers, offering exceptional product features and superior operating efficiency. The systems are comprised of trailer axles, suspensions and braking systems and have been supplied to vehicle manufacturers, fleet owners and freight forwarders for more than 50 years. SAF focuses on meeting customer requirements with high performance products and positions itself as both a supplier and partner to the purchasers and users of their products worldwide. SAF products are standard equipment with major trailer builders, with significant presence in Europe, and are sold and serviced by more than 2,100 outlets.
After the merger, the two companies will be subsidiaries of SAF-Holland Group GmbH headquartered in Bessenbach, Germany with combined annual turnover of approximately $975 million. The company will employ 3,000 people worldwide. Its combined product portfolio will be marketed under the Holland and SAF brand names.