Gilbarco Inc. announced Wednesday that it has signed and closed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Stratema Indústria E Comércio Ltda. of Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil.

Stratema is a manufacturer of fuel dispensers and a provider of maintenance services for the retail petroleum industry and commercial fueling operations in Brazil. Stratema’s customers include large regional oil companies, local oil companies and independent retailers.

Peter Dilnot, Group President Emerging Markets for Gilbarco Veeder-Root, noted that since its entrance into the pump market six years ago, Stratema has developed an excellent reputation for customer focus, innovation and quality.

The acquisition of Stratema’s innovative dispenser range, strong service capabilities, and deep market knowledge significantly enhances Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s business in Brazil. The company is looking forward to working with Stratema’s highly experienced team to deliver outstanding value to retailers and commercial operators throughout this important market, said Dilnot.
 
Joe Walton, President, Stratema, said Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s global development capability, resources, and product range will enrich the relationships the company has with its customers. Stratema looks forward to offering its customers the best options and solutions to improve their profitability, said Walton.

Stratema will continue to operate from its existing facilities in Sao Paolo. The current Stratema management team will play an important role in the leadership of the combined Stratema and Gilbarco Veeder-Root business in Brazil.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is the leading global supplier of integrated fuel control, site management, and support services for petroleum marketers and commercial fueling enterprises. Products include dispensers, payment systems, tank gauges, submersible pumps, point of sale systems, and remote monitoring of site functionality.

The Gilbarco Veeder-Root group of companies employs approximately 4,000 associates and is headquartered in Greensboro, NC, USA with manufacturing and research and development centers around the world.

Stratema is one of the world's largest manufacturers of fueling and site management systems. Around the world, Stratema’s companies provide innovative products and systems for retail petroleum, convenience store, and hypermarket customers, designed to offer ease-of-use and maximum convenience at exceptional value.

Gilbarco was first in the industry to announce UL listing for E85 (85% ethanol) dispensers and blenders. The Brazilian acquisition follows other similar investments aimed at enhancing the company’s global offering. Recently, Gilbarco acquired the Petroleum Dispensing Pump Business Unit of Larsen & Toubro Limited, Mumbai, India.

13th July 2011