Yanmar has acquired 6.26% of the capital and voting rights of Manitou BF.

The shares were acquired from the French bank Société Générale. This shareholding investment comes as the two groups enhance their strategic alliance, expanding cross distribution into Mexico and Latin America.

Mr.Takehito Yamaoka, President of Yanmar co.ltd stated: “Manitou is well-respected as the market leader in the telescopic handler, so it is exciting for Yanmar to have closer relationship with them through this capital investment. It is becoming more necessary for each player to have wide range of product line-up in today’s construction market, but we believe the product synergy through this strategic alliance will let two companies become more attractive and help us to find more chances to see new customers.”

In January of 2012, Manitou and Yanmar announced the signing of a strategic alliance in North America for which the initial results have been very positive. Manitou Americas, throughout North America, distributes Yanmar’s compact excavators under the Gehl and Mustang brand names while Yanmar America distributes Compact Equipment skid steers and track loaders under its brand name.

This agreement also enhances the groups’ 25 year partnership regarding engines.