Fimo: Axel Johnson Acquires Italian Ceramics Specialist
Deal News | Jun 05, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 1 Corporate M&A
Axel Johnson International, a major Swedish conglomerate, has acquired Fimo, an iconic ceramics company based in Sassuolo, Italy. The acquisition was facilitated by Axel Johnson's power transmission solutions division and marks a strategic effort to expand its presence in Italy, aimed at enhancing its service offerings. The Tassi and Fontana families, founders of Fimo in 1969, were the sellers in this transaction. Financial and legal advisories were top-notch, with Millelire Corporate Finance representing Fimo and White & Case (Europe) and EY assisting Axel Johnson with legal and due diligence counsel, respectively. Ola Sjölin, managing director of Axel Johnson's power transmission solutions division, emphasizes the complementarity of Fimo’s services and products with the existing portfolio, enhancing customer service in terms of maintenance planning and energy savings. Alex Fontana, CEO of Fimo, expressed admiration for Axel Johnson's proactive approach and sees this acquisition as a continuation of collaborative growth both within Italy and internationally.
Sectors
- Ceramics Manufacturing
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Industrial Sector
Geography
- Italy – Fimo is based in Sassuolo, Italy, and the acquisition impacts the Italian market.
- Sweden – Axel Johnson International is a Swedish company conducting this acquisition.
Industry
- Ceramics Manufacturing – Fimo is a historic ceramics company, and the acquisition involves the manufacturing sector centered around ceramics.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article focuses on a transaction involving the acquisition of Fimo by Axel Johnson International.
- Industrial Sector – Axel Johnson's division, specializing in power transmission solutions, serves industrial clients, aiming to improve operations and energy efficiency.
Financials
- Not Disclosed – The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axel Johnson International | Acquirer | Company | A Swedish conglomerate specializing in various industrial services, now expanding in Italy through this acquisition. |
| Fimo | Target | Company | An Italian ceramics company based in Sassuolo, acquired by Axel Johnson International. |
| Tassi and Fontana Families | Seller | People | Founders of Fimo and sellers in this transaction. |
| Millelire Corporate Finance | Financial Advisor to Fimo | Company | Provided exclusive financial advisory services to Fimo in this deal. |
| Studio Legale Salardi | Legal Advisor to Fimo | Company | Provided legal counsel to Fimo during the acquisition process. |
| White & Case (Europe) | Legal Advisor to Axel Johnson | Company | Advised Axel Johnson International on legal matters during the acquisition. |
| EY | Financial and Fiscal Due Diligence | Company | Conducted financial and fiscal due diligence for Axel Johnson International. |