Sweden-based pumps supplier AxFlow Holding has acquired the majority share in South African pumps importer and distributor AQS Liquid Transfer as part of AxFlow’s growth initiative and strategy to expand its business beyond Europe.

AxFlow is a major distributor of high-quality fluid handling equipment, with operations in 27 European countries. The group represents several world-leading manufacturers and provides comprehensive technical services specifically tailored to the needs of a multitude of process industries.

AQS was formed in 1994 in Pretoria. Since then, it has expanded and has established two additional Gauteng offices as well as opening branches in the Free State, the North West, Limpopo, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, providing nationwide coverage and creating region-specific sales and pump repair service teams, which includes a wide range of pump types.

Throughout the years, AQS has built a strong market position in South Africa, particularly in the mining, power and water utilities and agriculture sectors. Sales exceed R140-million a year and the company currently employs about 100 people.

“Having established a very strong market position in Europe over the past 25 years, [AxFlow has] been looking for ways to expand [the] business outside Europe. South Africa is an interesting market for us and an important gateway to the continent,” says AxFlow president Ole Weiner.

He adds that that company’s growth philosophy is based on finding great local companies that it, together with the local team, can make even better. “The owners of AQS have built a sound company with a fine team of engineers and service staff with a strong drive to grow the business further. We are very happy to join forces with the AQS team.”

AQS’s management, headed by MD Gerhard Prinsloo, will continue to run and develop the company. He expressed the excitement of the share-holders, directors and personnel about the future with AxFlow as a partner.

“We fully believe in and remain committed to the economic potential of South Africa and Africa as a whole. “AxFlow brings with it a wealth of opportunities, knowledge and expertise to further develop and exploit current and future markets on the continent. “AxFlow has an impressive record in Europe and a growth and development strategy that we very much want to be a part of and contribute to,” he concludes.