Erwin Hymer snapped up by Thor
The German company that took over the Explorer Group brands last year has now itself been taken over by the American firm behind Airstream trailers. Erwin Hymer Group, which also exports its own caravans to the UK under the Eriba and Hymer brand names, has been acquired by Thor Industries, for around €2.1bn. The firm is keen to stress that regardless of the deal, everything will be very much business as usual. The roll-out of the new season’s Elddis, Compass, Buccaneer and Xplore caravans will be unaffected, it says. Martin Brandt will continue as EHG’S chief executive, although he will report to Thor’s chief executive, Robert Martin. The company has also stated that there will be “no changes in production facilities or employee levels as a direct result of the transaction”. Erwin Hymer’s son, Christian Hymer, who is on the EHG supervisory board, said: “Thor Industries and the Erwin Hymer Group are cut from the same cloth and in their philosophy, still bear the stamp of their founders. An entrepreneurial mindset, a spirit of innovation and quality leadership are top priorities for both groups.” Thor makes RVS under its own name, but in its 38-year history, has acquired a string of other brands including Airstream, which the Swift Group currently imports into this country. Mr Martin said: “This transaction gives us access to a new market with favourable macro and secular trends affecting RV demand similar to those we have seen in North America. In addition, we see numerous areas for near- and long-term synergies.”