Kuhn Group, a manufacturer of hay and forage harvesting, livestock feeding and bedding, planting, seeding, crop protection and landscape maintenance, is acquiring French sprayer manufacturer Artec Pulverisation.

The company announced it has signed an agreement for the purchase of all outstanding shares of Artec, which is headquartered in Corpe (Vendée), France. Kuhn Group has been a minority shareholder of Artec since 2008 and plans on becoming the sole shareholder of the company by the end of 2018 upon the fulfillment of the conditions of the transaction.

Founded in 2005 by Jean-Pierre Chevallier, Artec is specialized in the manufacturing of self-propelled agricultural sprayers used for crop protection, in particular for large farms. In 2017, Artec's revenues reached €19 million with 60 employees. 

Kuhn Group says Artec's self-propelled sprayers complement Kuhn Group product offerings related to crop protection. The Artec products will continue to be distributed under the Artec brand and colors by a specialized dealers’ network.

As a result of the acquisition, Kuhn Group will support the Artec brand's development both in France and in international markets.

Kuhn Group, headquartered in Saverne, France, employs more than 5 000 employees. It operates 10 manufacturing sites in France, the Netherlands, Brazil and the U.S., with the U.S. facilities being located in Brodhead, Wis., and Hutchinson, Kan. Kuhn Group achieved revenues of €966 million in 2017.