(01/11/2008, Ostfildern / Gerlingen) After intensive negotiations with the liquidator and creditor banks the special-vehicle manufacturer SCHOPF takes over the business activities of the insolvent Rofan GmbH in terms of an asset deal.

As from 01.11.2008 the personnel and business assets will be incorporated in the new company SCHOPF ROFAN GmbH based in Ostfildern. With this action the jobs of 35 employees as well as the industrial premises in Gerlingen are safeguarded.

With their offer and concept SCHOPF prevailed against larger interested parties. The terms of that transaction were not disclosed.

Being the world leading manufacturer of aircraft tow tractors as well as supplier of other special vehicles for airports and of underground loaders operated in raw-materials production, SCHOPF considers that acquisition an ideal complement to their product range. Rofan is a great manufacturer of small tractors for handling luggage and freight at airports as well as for operation in industrial and logistical facilities.

Claus Haubeil, Managing Director and Co-Partner of SCHOPF Holding GmbH, parent company of SCHOPF ROFAN GmbH, states “Together with the Rofan vehicles we achieve a full product range to perform all towing procedures at airports. Our excellent international distribution network will open new markets for the make Rofan. At the same time we can benefit from the long experience Rofan gained with alternative drive concepts for our own products.”

“In SCHOPF we have found a strong, strategically orientated partner for Rofan. We are glad that the Gerlingen site can be maintained and the employees are offered a good solution. The short distance between the two companies is an ideal basis for a successful cooperation.” says Gerhard Walter, responsible liquidator from Tuebingen.

Additional information and pictures available on request: www.schopf-gse.com and press@schopf-gse.com
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