Belgian steel wire and cord manufacturer Bekaert SA announced that it has sold its 50% stakes in its handling JV’s Bekaert Handling AS in Middelfart Denmark and Bekaert Handling Ltd located in Glenrothes & Spennymoor UK to K Hartwall for Euro 13.6 million. This agreement is, amongst others, subject to regulatory approvals, but both parties anticipate a timely closing of the transactions.

Bekaert Handling AS and Bekaert Handling Ltd, which produce handling materials for logistical applications in Europe, have combined annual sales of around Euro 55 million.

Bekaert said it wants to continue to focus on its core operations and become market leader in selected segments worldwide. Bekaert wants to continue to focus strategically on its core competences and to become market and technological leader in selected market segments worldwide. The handling activity, which was an extension of the previous European fencing activities, is no longer one of the company’s core businesses.

K. Hartwall is a leading European company specialized in roll containers for the logistic sector.