FUCHS expands reach with LUBCON acquisition

FUCHS Group, a leading global player in the lubricants industry, has announced its strategic acquisition of LUBCON Group, a German-based manufacturer known for its high-performance specialty lubricants. This acquisition is set to enhance FUCHS’s offerings in the specialty lubrication solutions market and bolster its competitiveness on a global scale. The transaction, still pending regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024.

LUBCON Group, operating out of Maintal, Hessen, Germany, brings a wealth of experience and a robust product portfolio that includes greases, oils, and pastes. The company boasts 13 operating entities and five production facilities across Germany, Poland, the Philippines, India, and the United States. Their products serve a diverse range of sectors, such as railway, roller bearings, paper, textiles, food, pharmaceutical, and wind industries.

Heiko Engelke, managing partner at LUBCON, expressed enthusiasm about the new opportunities this partnership would unlock. “I feel confident that we can tap the growth potential of the LUBCON Group even more effectively on a global scale with the FUCHS network of 55 companies and 33 production facilities. We considered it extremely important to find the right partner for this and are looking forward to growing with FUCHS and safeguarding our future,” Engelke said. He also noted the shared family-run heritage of both companies, which aligns their values and business philosophies.

Stefan Fuchs, chairman of the Executive Board at FUCHS SE, highlighted the strategic benefits of the acquisition. “We’re not only gaining a team of highly qualified employees with extensive technological expertise, but also extending our own product portfolio, particularly in the field of industrial lubricants and greases. This not only strengthens our existing key markets but also enables us to penetrate new sales markets. We feel certain that this strategic decision will further reinforce our position as leading supplier in the industry,” he said.

FUCHS Group, headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, employs approximately 6,200 staff worldwide and reported sales revenue of EUR3.5 billion (USD3.7 billion) in 2023. In contrast, LUBCON Group employs 211 staff and had a sales revenue of about EUR40 million (USD42.6 million) during the same period.

The acquisition promises to enhance FUCHS’s capabilities in developing innovative lubrication solutions that meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide. This is a significant step in FUCHS’s ongoing effort to maintain and expand its market leadership in providing sustainable and efficient lubrication technologies.