It was announced recently that Chinese manufacturer Ningbo Daye Garden Machinery is taking over German manufacturer AL-KO Geräte for EUR20 million (USD22.1 million) in order to expand its global footprint.

According to a report on news site, Yicai Global, Daye is buying a 100 percent stake in Kotz-based AL-KO Geräte, supplier of brands such as AL-KO, solo by AL-KO, Masport and Morrison.

The report went on to say, the acquisition will provide Daye with manufacturing bases and technology development centres in Europe.

Service Dealer contacted AL-KO UK, whose md Stewart Anderson told us, "Our dealers will notice very little change following this news. Over the coming months we will sort out some details behind the scenes, but Daye is a quality manufacturer and the AL-KO name is not going anywhere."

Stewart continued, "I'll be honest, I think this is the best thing that could have happened to AL-KO for the brand's long-term future."