Komatsu has entered into an agreement to acquire the road construction equipment division of Astec, a move that would bring the Roadtec and Carlson brands of road paving and maintenance equipment into the Komatsu portfolio.
The acquisition would add pavers, milling machines, material transfer vehicles and stabilizers to Komatsu's equipment lineup, positioning the OEM as a strong provider of solutions for road construction. Komatsu said the proposed acquisition reflects its strategy of making investments that complement its core business and help address a broader range of industry needs.
The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2027, subject to customary closing conditions.
Executive views
Rod Bull, CEO of Komatsu North America, said road construction plays an important role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports communities and economies in North America and around the world. He said the proposed acquisition would strengthen the company's ability to serve that essential market by bringing together Komatsu's capabilities with two established brands known for strong products, experienced people and longstanding customer relationships.
Takuya Imayoshi, president and CEO of Komatsu Ltd., said Komatsu has long recognized the strategic importance of road construction equipment and has considered opportunities to expand in this market for many years. He described North America as one of Komatsu's key markets and said the acquisition reflects a continued commitment to investing in the region and strengthening its construction equipment business.
Imayoshi added that combining Roadtec's and Carlson's specialized expertise and technologies with Komatsu's manufacturing, engineering and global capabilities is intended to create greater value for customers and to build a strong foundation for long-term growth, both in North America and in other markets over time.