SKF completes strategic acquisition of John Sample Group’s lubrication division

SKF has successfully completed the acquisition of John Sample Group’s (JSG) Lubrication and Flow Management businesses, a move first announced earlier this year. This strategic acquisition enhances SKF’s capabilities across South-East Asia and Oceania, focusing on sectors such as heavy industry, mobile equipment, and engineered solutions.

Philipp Herlein, Managing Director of SKF Lubrication Management, expressed enthusiasm about the integration, stating that the new addition bolsters SKF’s service and product offerings in the region. Herlein underscored the significance of this acquisition in driving growth and meeting customer needs with more comprehensive engineered solutions.

JSG, established in 1921 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a recognized leader in lubrication systems and comprehensive service solutions. In their latest fiscal year, JSG reported net sales of approximately SEK 550 million and operated with a dedicated team of 85 employees spread across Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Singapore. The seamless integration of these operations into SKF’s existing lubrication management segment is expected to strengthen SKF’s footprint and service capacity, with combined net sales in the segment now reaching around SEK 7 billion.

Background and Strategic Implications:

SKF initially signed the agreement to acquire JSG’s lubrication businesses on 14 August 2024. This acquisition aligns with SKF’s goal to enhance its capabilities in the critical lubrication management market, a sector vital for maintaining industrial efficiency and reducing the risk of premature bearing failures due to inadequate lubrication and contamination.

Thomas Fröst, President of SKF Independent and Emerging Business, highlighted the strategic alignment, noting that lubrication management plays a pivotal role in enhancing bearing performance and, consequently, industrial reliability. Fröst added that this expansion is a step towards bolstering SKF’s offerings in the rapidly developing India and South-East Asia (ISEA) markets.

John Sample, Executive Chairman of John Sample Group Pty Ltd, commented on the sale, emphasizing that the decision was made with confidence, ensuring that the acquiring party, SKF, shares JSG’s values and strategic vision. Sample described the transition as a “natural and positive evolution” for JSG, aligning with both personal and business objectives.

Industry experts have pointed out that this acquisition positions SKF as a stronger player in the automatic lubrication systems market. The integration of JSG’s advanced customer base and service capabilities is expected to enhance SKF’s engineering and distribution channels, leading to increased competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.