GEA Group Buys Norbco

NEW YORK - Jul 14/08 - SNS -- Germany's GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft announced the purchase of U.S.-based Norbco, Inc. of Westmoreland, New York.

Norbco has so far been the sole and exclusive supplier of conventional heavy- and medium-duty milking parlor stalls to GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc. In addition to parlor stalls, Norbco is a manufacturer and distributor of farm equipment including ventilation equipment, cow mattresses, barn curtains, barn cleaners and free stalls, all with a distinct focus on cow comfort. The company employs a workforce of around 100 employees, and 2007 sales amounted to over USD 30 million.

GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft is an international technology group that focuses on the specialty mechanical engineering areas of process technology and components. Consolidated sales were EUR 5.2 billion in 2007. More than 50 per cent of GEA’s sales are delivered into the fast growing food and beverage industry. The company's workforce comprised over 20,000 employees as of March 31, 2008. The GEA Group is a market and technology leader in 90 percent of its business areas. GEA Group is listed in the German MDAX share index (G1A, WKN 660200).