Kadant to Acquire Long-Time Partner voestalpine BÖHLER Profil

WESTFORD, Mass. – January 29, 2026 – Kadant Inc. (NYSE: KAI), a global supplier of industrial processing technologies, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire voestalpine BÖHLER Profil GmbH & Co KG. The acquisition of the Austrian-based specialist in custom steel profiles and industrial knives is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending Austrian regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Upon completion, voestalpine BÖHLER Profil will be renamed Kadant Profil GmbH & Co KG and will be integrated into Kadant’s Industrial Processing reporting segment. The move represents a significant strategic step for Kadant, formalizing a three-decade-long supply partnership into a full-fledged acquisition that promises to enhance its technological capabilities and market position.

From Valued Partner to Strategic Asset

What sets this acquisition apart from a typical corporate takeover is the deep-rooted history between the two companies. For over 30 years, voestalpine BÖHLER Profil has served as a key supply partner to several of Kadant's business units, creating a foundation of mutual trust and operational familiarity.

“voestalpine BÖHLER Profil’s expertise and product range complement Kadant’s offerings and strengthen our ability to serve customers in demanding industrial markets,” said Jeffrey L. Powell, president and chief executive officer of Kadant. “For more than three decades, voestalpine BÖHLER Profil has been a valued supply partner to several Kadant businesses, giving us deep familiarity with their capabilities. We believe their strong leadership team and operational excellence make the business a strategic addition to our organization.”

This long-standing relationship is expected to de-risk the integration process significantly. Unlike acquisitions where companies must navigate unfamiliar cultures and operational workflows, Kadant is acquiring a known entity whose quality and capabilities are well-understood. This pre-existing synergy is echoed by the leadership at voestalpine BÖHLER Profil.

“We have known and worked with Kadant for over 30 years, and their deep industrial processing knowledge, global presence, and comprehensive portfolio of solutions align with voestalpine BÖHLER Profil’s long-term goals,” said Jörg Wagner, managing director of voestalpine BÖHLER Profil. “We look forward to the opportunities that being a part of Kadant will offer our team and customers.”

Bolstering a Portfolio with Precision Engineering

With over 150 years of experience, voestalpine BÖHLER Profil brings a highly specialized skill set to Kadant. The company is a leader in producing tailor-made special profiles with complex geometries using a technique known as “near-net-shape” (NNS) rolling. This advanced manufacturing process creates steel profiles that are extremely close to their final, or “net,” shape.

The NNS method is a cornerstone of modern, efficient manufacturing. By minimizing the need for subsequent machining, milling, or grinding, it dramatically reduces material waste, lowers energy consumption, and shortens production time. This aligns perfectly with Kadant's corporate focus on “Sustainable Industrial Processing®.” The acquisition allows Kadant to directly integrate a technology that inherently champions material efficiency and cost reduction.

These specialized profiles are critical components in some of the world's most demanding industries. Applications include forklift masts and telescopic guide rails for material handling, rail fastening systems for the railroad industry, hinge and axle profiles for the automotive sector, and complex components for aerospace, energy, and construction. The ability to create intricate shapes from high-strength steel grades and nickel-based alloys provides a significant competitive advantage.

In addition to its profile business, voestalpine BÖHLER Profil is a recognized leader in high-performance industrial knives. This product line further strengthens Kadant’s offerings in industrial cutting and processing applications, providing access to a market driven by the need for durability, precision, and performance in sectors from metalworking to advanced manufacturing.

Financial and Operational Integration

Financially, the acquisition brings a notable revenue stream into the Kadant fold. voestalpine BÖHLER Profil reported revenues of 51.5 million Euros (approximately $56 million USD) for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. This represents a meaningful addition to Kadant's top line, which was $923.6 million for its 2024 fiscal year. Kadant plans to finance the transaction primarily through borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility.

The integration plan will see voestalpine BÖHLER Profil and its approximately 150 employees become part of Kadant’s Industrial Processing segment. The positive remarks from Kadant's leadership regarding the Austrian firm's “strong leadership team” suggest an intention to retain key personnel and leverage their deep institutional knowledge to ensure a seamless transition.

For investors and market analysts seeking further detail, Kadant will hold a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the strategic and financial details of the proposed acquisition.

Navigating the Path to Finalization

Before the deal can be finalized, it must clear regulatory hurdles in Austria. The transaction is subject to review and approval by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde - BWB), the primary body responsible for merger control in the country. This review process is a standard requirement for transactions of this scale and is designed to ensure that the merger does not impede market competition.

Both companies anticipate that these conditions will be met, with the acquisition expected to officially close within the first quarter of 2026. By bringing a long-trusted partner fully into its organization, Kadant is not merely expanding its footprint but is strategically investing in specialized expertise and technology. The successful integration of voestalpine BÖHLER Profil's capabilities is poised to significantly enhance Kadant's competitive edge in high-value industrial sectors for years to come.