The Kuhn Group, which already had a minority stake in French sprayer maker Artec, has acquired the remaining 62% stake in the family company.
Kuhn says that the acquisition, which should be completed within the next couple of months, will enable it to expand its plant protection equipment in Europe and help it to become a leading player with self-propelled sprayers in France.
The French company currently makes two self-propelled ranges – the F40/R40 and RS20. Power to the F40/R40 comes from a six-pot 6.1-litre Deutz engine (217-250hp). Tank sizes are 4,000 and 5,000 litres and boom widths from 24-50m.
The 5.1-litre four-pot Volvo block inside the RS20 develops 180hp. Tank sizes are 2,000 and 2,800 litres, and boom widths range from 24-36m. The top speed of all models is 40km/hr.
Based at Corpe in the west of the country, roughly midway between Nantes and Bordeaux, the sprayers will continue to be sold under the Artec brand until further notice. With 60 staff, the French firm generated sales of €19 million in 2017.
