Masport is the market leader in New Zealand and the number two in Australia in the development and production of gardening equipment under the brands Masport and Morrison. In addition, the company, founded in 1910 and based in Auckland, offers a comprehensive range of barbecue equipment.

In the UK Masport is distributed by FGM Claymore and AL-KO by Rochfords Garden Machinery. Service Dealer has been told that no changes will be made to these distribution arrangements.

Masport will continue to function as an independent company and operate under the AL-KO umbrella with its existing Masport brands.

"We are pleased to bring one of the strongest garden equipment brands across the Atlantic to the AL-KO Group with Masport. The investment clearly represents a strong future for AL-KO Gardentech," said Stefan Kober, CEO of AL-KO Kober SE.

"Masport is a well-established and managed company with a first-class economic situation. We see no reason for internal changes, just more potential for development for AL-KO Gardentech and Masport."

Dr. Wolfgang Hergeth, Managing Director of AL-KO Gardentech said, "Steve Hughes, who has been running Masport for 10 years, will continue to direct the business and report directly to me in the future. Both brands will benefit from an exchange of know-how - ultimately benefiting the end-user. To what extent a mutual product and market integration will take place, we will examine with all due care."
 

Steve Hughes, Managing Director of Masport said, "AL-KO Gardentech and Masport will form a strong duo on the global gardening market. I am delighted that we are now able to continue our positive development under the umbrella of a modern group of entrepreneurial traditions and continue to offer our customers first-class, innovative products."