Trelleborg to buy U.S. marine fender maker Seaward

TRELLEBORG, Sweden (Nov. 18)—Trelleborg A.B. has agreed to buy Seaward International Inc., the Winchester, Va.-based producer of marine fenders, for an undisclosed price. Seaward International makes dock and floating fenders at two plants in Winchester, reporting about $22 million in sales with 60 employees. The business will operate through Trelleborg's Engineered Systems business area. "This transaction is supportive of and strengthens the Trelleborg strategic goals of being the worldwide leader in marine fender products, and provides Seaward with significant growth opportunities in the international market," Georg Brunstam, president of the Engineered Systems unit, said in a prepared statement. The acquisition will take the form of an asset-transfer transaction, with the deal expected to close by December, Trelleborg said. Founded in 1973, Seaward makes buoys, fendering systems and other marine products from elastomers and plastics, including polyurethane and polyethylene.