In recent years, the reinforcing steel sector has faced numerous challenges: the corona crisis, changing environmental legislation, limited availability of raw materials and unpredictable energy prices. Nevertheless, we have always pursued one goal: to offer you unreservedly excellent service, the highest quality and absolute reliability.
However, challenges also offer new opportunities and we have taken advantage of these to position our company even better for the future.
We are very pleased to announce today that the families Van Merksteijn, Seizinger and Weitzmann plan to join forces and merge their reinforcing steel business in 2025.
The proposed merger is currently under review by the Competition and Market Authorities (CMA). As soon as we receive approval from the relevant competition authorities, the parties intend to establish a joint holding company in spring 2025: ‘Reinforcing Steel Europe B.V.’ headquartered in Almelo, the Netherlands. The reinforcing steel activities of both groups will be joined in this holding company.
We have made this decision carefully and thoughtfully. During numerous, constructive discussions, it became clear that our two companies not only share the same values and objectives, but also pursue a common vision for the future.
The planned merger will strengthen our position as a major producer and processor of reinforcing steel in the EU. Our geographically diversified presence will allow us to be even closer to our customers across Europe.
In addition, the planned closer cooperation in the value chain offers huge opportunities. For the Van Merksteijn Group, it means that we will be assured of sustainably produced wire rod for our processing plants. In turn, Südwest Beteiligungen GmbH will be able to better exploit the capacity of their steel mills in Kehl and Trier.
For both groups, sustainability remains a central part of the future business philosophy. Especially as a family-owned company, we feel a great social responsibility towards people and the environment.
We are convinced that this proposed merger will lay the foundation for a strong and lasting partnership, and we confidently look forward to a successful future together.
With the brand ‘baustahlgewebe’, the Südwest Group is a major supplier and producer of reinforcing steel in Germany. The group produces, processes and distributes reinforcing steel and reinforcement products for the construction industry in Europe. It includes Badische Stahlwerke (BSW) in Kehl and Moselstahlwerk (MSW) in Trier. Badische Stahlwerke is one of the most modern electrical steel plants in Germany. It recycles scrap in a resource-saving way and melts it down into new steel using electricity. Compared to steel production via the blast furnace route, CO2 emissions are 80 per cent lower. The steel is further processed in the eight wire processing plants close to the customer at various locations. The Südwest Group also includes subsidiaries in the areas of by-products, plant engineering, training, sales and service. With around 1,800 employees, it generates sales of around EUR 1.2 billion (2023). Its activities are bundled in Südwest Beteiligungen GmbH, based in Eberbach.