Komatsu has entered into an agreement to acquire the road construction equipment division of Astec, a deal that would bring the Roadtec and Carlson brands of paving and road maintenance equipment into the Komatsu portfolio.
The proposed acquisition would add pavers, milling machines, material transfer vehicles and stabilizers to Komatsu's equipment lineup, positioning the OEM as a stronger provider of solutions for road construction. Komatsu said the proposed deal reflects its strategy of making investments that complement its core business and help address a broader range of industry needs.
Brands and product lines
The division covered by the agreement includes two established brands:
- Roadtec, known for road paving and maintenance equipment;
- Carlson, a paving and maintenance equipment brand.
The product categories involved span paving, milling, material transfer and stabilization work used in road construction and maintenance. The added lines are intended to give Komatsu a fuller range of equipment for road building and rehabilitation, from surface preparation through to paving, and the company said the combination would strengthen its ability to serve the road construction market.
The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2027, subject to customary closing conditions.
Leadership comments
Rod Bull, CEO of Komatsu North America, said road construction plays an important role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports communities and economies in North America and around the world. He said the proposed acquisition would strengthen the company's ability to serve this essential market by bringing together Komatsu's capabilities with two established brands known for strong products, experienced people and longstanding customer relationships.
Takuya Imayoshi, president and CEO of Komatsu Ltd., said Komatsu has long recognized the strategic importance of road construction equipment and has considered opportunities to expand in this market for many years. He said North America is one of Komatsu's key markets and that the acquisition reflects continued commitment to investing in the region and strengthening its construction equipment business.
Imayoshi added that combining Roadtec's and Carlson's specialized expertise and technologies with Komatsu's manufacturing, engineering and global capabilities is aimed at creating greater value for customers and building a strong foundation for long-term growth, both in North America and, over time, in other markets.
The acquisition remains proposed and is scheduled to complete at the start of 2027, conditional on customary closing conditions.