HOLLAND, Mich. — The Holland Group and Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH (SAF) have signed an agreement to merge the two companies. SAF is a supplier of integrated axle and suspension systems for trailers, with headquarters in Germany. Holland Group is a leading supplier of coupling, lift and suspension systems for trucks, tractors and trailers. Terms of the arrangement were not immediately disclosed. The merger is expected to occur by year-end.

The merger will give the companies a global reach in the market with 26 manufacturing and warehousing facilities worldwide. Hollands products are standard equipment at original equipment manufacturers, with significant presence in Canada, the US and Mexico, and are sold and serviced by more than 2,500 distribution locations. SAFs products are standard equipment with major trailer builders, with significant presence in Europe, and are sold and serviced by more than 2,100 outlets.

After the merger, the two companies will be subsidiaries of SAF-HOLLAND GROUP GmbH headquartered in Bessenbach, Germany with combined annual turnover of approximately $975 million. The company will employ 3,000 people worldwide. Its combined product portfolio will be marketed under the Holland and SAF brand names.