The Austrian HS Timber Group has made a decisive move to bolster its presence in Northern Europe, signing an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in the Swedish wood processing firm, Malå Såg AB. The target company, a well-established sawmill, is being purchased from its current owner, Setra Trävaror AB, a subsidiary of the Setra Group. This high-profile transaction, though still pending approval by relevant regulatory authorities, signifies a major consolidation and strategic enhancement within the European timber industry.

Operating since 1946, Malå Såg is a well-established sawmill in northern Sweden. It specializes in high-quality northern pine products, which are sold to customers around the world, primarily in Norway, Sweden, Japan, the United Kingdom and North Africa. Malå plays a crucial role in the regional value chain, supplying wood materials to the pulp industry and local bio-energy producers.

Sourcing and processing softwood logs from sustainably managed Swedish forests, this acquisition represents a valuable addition to HS Timber Group’s portfolio of high quality wood products. HS Timber Group´s cooperation with the Swedish State Forest enterprise Sveaskog lays the foundation for a long-term partnership focused on sustainable value creation out of a first-class raw material.

Jürgen Bergner, CEO of HS Timber Group: “With the acquisition of Malå Såg, we are strengthening our presence in Northern Europe and continuing our commitment to sustainable wood processing. The perfectly qualified employees and tradition of Malå Såg complement our strategy of producing high-quality timber products while supporting local economies and sustainable forestry.”

Once the ongoing investment program is finalized, Malå Såg will have an annual production capacity of up to 340,000 m³ of kiln-dried and further processed sawn timber such as planed material, deckings, claddings and slats. HS Timber Group will take over all of Malå Såg´s current employees and plans to continuously develop and improve the location together with the local management team going forward.

Marcus Westdahl, CEO of Setra Group: “We are pleased that Malå Såg will continue to grow under the ownership of HS Timber Group. The mill has a strong team and a proud history, and we are confident that this step will ensure its continued success and contribution to the local community. The divestment is expected to contribute to Setras ability to further strengthen the position in central Sweden.”

Source: hs.at