Sandvik divests exploration business to Drillman

Sandvik has signed an agreement to divest its Exploration business to Drillman, a subsidiary of the M Group of companies, which is 100 percent owned and operated in Australia. 

Drillman provide equipment and technical support to the Geotechnical, Mineral Exploration, Horizontal, Directional and Upstream Gas Drilling sectors, among others. 

The deal, expected to close in Q4 2020, includes exploration rigs, consumables and production stock, along with selected trademarks and patents. The business is currently reported in Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.

"I am pleased that we have signed an agreement to sell our Exploration business as this is in line with our focus to further improve the efficiency and profitability of our company," says Stefan Widing, President and CEO of Sandvik. "I believe we have found a good home for our Exploration business in Drillman, who will support in the further development of its operations and performance," says Henrik Ager, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.

"We are very excited to acquire Sandvik's Exploration business and look forward to collaborating throughout the transition. The acquisition forms part of our long-term strategy to expand our international footprint and we are eager to introduce our passion for the mining and exploration business into the global market," says Harry Mostert, CEO for M Group of Companies.

The parties did not disclose the price and the closing is subject to relevant regulatory approvals. The Exploration business will remain consolidated in the financial statements of Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology until closing of the transaction. In 2019, the Exploration business had revenues of about SEK 450 million and a margin slightly dilutive to Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.