On 1 January 2003, Krones AG (D-93068 Neutraubling; www.krones.de), the world market leader in filling technology and also highly successful in PET systems since 1997, is intending to acquire a 75% holding in the Kosme Group (A-2601 Sollenau). The two companies have set out their agreement in a “mutual memorandum of intent.” To ensure that an all-in line range, including small PET blow moulding units, filling stations and labelling units can be offered under the umbrella brand of “Kosme” in future, the Austrian company will simultaneously acquire a 55% majority of the Italian Kosme s.r.l. (I-46048 Roverbella; www.kosme.it).

Krones plans to set up “Kosme” as a subgroup for the “just enough” sector, together with subsidiaries Keber and Kosme-Filling-Systems. The future group division for the “lower end of the range” has a sales volume of some EUR 70m. The Austrian part of the company will be responsible for developing and producing linear stretch blow moulding technology as well as for coordinating the line programme overall. In view of the cost advantages, the Kosme product range for labelling, filling and packaging and palletizing technology, including transport technology, will be developed and produced at the Italian location. Kosme´s cost leadership coupled with the potential of the globally-operating Krones Group will ensure that both groups benefit from a synergetic strengthening, the companies report.