Roco acquires Fleischmann

Consolidation continues in the European model railroad market as Austrian manufacturer Roco GmbH has acquired Fleischmann, headquartered in Nuremberg, Germany. The move, still subject to antitrust approval, combines the No. 2 and 3 model railroad firms in the European market. Both trail Märklin, which acquired LGB manufacturer E.P. Lehmann in 2007.

A purchase price has not been disclosed.

Fleischmann recently celebrated its 120-year anniversary. The company employs approximately 340 people in two German locations, and reports annual sales of approximately $30.8 million. There are no details yet on what will happen to the company's workforce.

"With the new owners, we have excellent opportunities for growth," said Fleischmann Managing Director Hans-Peter Foerster. Fleischmann family members said the deal means the brand will exist for some time to come.