Fortaco sells its marine business in Gruza, Serbia

Fortaco Group Holdco Plc.  |  PRESS RELEASE 23.5.2025 at 16.00 EEST

Fortaco Group Holdco Plc’s subsidiary, Fortaco Oy has signed an agreement to sell its subsidiary in Serbia and thereby its marine and energy focused Business Site Gruza to Entec Evotec AS. Evotec is a Norwegian based technology company providing winches, booms, spooling devices, and cranes powered by Evotec’s innovative control system. Business Site Gruza was subject to the strategic evaluation of marine, energy, and heavy project businesses ongoing from February until November 2024.

Fortaco’s Business Site Gruza manufacturers winches and other solutions mainly for the marine industry. In 2024, the net sales were some EUR 5.4 million and recurring EBITDA some EUR 120 thousand. Business Site Gruza employs some 95 people in total.

“Selling of our operations in Gruza is the final step of the strategic considerations of our marine, energy, and heavy project businesses. The new owner, Evotec, has a solid expertise in the industry. I’m confident that they are a good new home for our people in Gruza. I want to thank our customers for their trust and cooperation throughout these years, and the Gruza team for their excellent performance in a challenging market environment. I wish the team a successful and continuous journey,” saysMika Mahlberg, President & CEO of Fortaco Group.

“Fortaco Gruza brings strong expertise and a solid reputation that aligns well with Evotec’s strategic direction. Together, we will strengthen our position in the marine sector and continue the growth of Evotec. We look forward to welcoming the Gruza team to Evotec”, saysJogeir Romestrand, CEO of Evotec.

“Fortaco Business Site Gruza is well-known for its high quality, delivery accuracy, and uncompromised professionalism. I am very excited that Evotec will become our new owner. Our joint know-how enables the future expansion of our business creating a win-win solution for both companies,” saysIvona Poletan, Managing Director of Business Site Gruza.

The transaction does not have an impact on Fortaco’s profit forecast for 2025. The transaction is subject to some customary closing conditions, and companies aim to close it during June 2025.

Further Information
Mika Mahlberg, President & CEO
+358 40 548 3353
mika.mahlberg@fortacogroup.com

Fortaco Group
Fortaco is the leading full-solution provider for OEMs in the off-highway equipment industries. Pioneering the design and production of assemblies, cabins, steel fabrications, and zero emission solutions, we offer cutting-edge technology for enhanced productivity. We empower off-highway machines to use fossil-free steel and our customers to optimize their operations and move towards a greener future. Fortaco Group has operations in multiple European and Asian business sites and technology hubs, which support our global customers.www.fortacogroup.com.

Evotec
Evotec is a leading Norwegian supplier of advanced handling systems for the maritime and industrial sectors, serving areas such as subsea, offshore, wind, fisheries, aquaculture, seismic, and research. The company specializes in developing tailor-made solutions, including Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS), winches and cable handling systems, with a strong focus on reliability and efficiency in demanding environments. Through continuous innovation and a focus on sustainable technologies, Evotec enhances operational efficiency and delivers added value to its customers.

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