DANISH information systems supplier Focon Electronic Systems A/S announced on October 2 that it had signed a strategic co-operation agreement with the Canadian-based Mark IV Industries. With effect from September 28, the Focon shares held by Sandma Holding A/S were transferred to Mark IV.
Based in Sønderborg, with around 100 staff, Focon has been looking for a strategic partner to continue its growth in the rail market, where turnover has doubled in four years to over DKr100m in 1999-2000. Mark IV had similarly been looking to expand the presence of its 1200-strong Transportation business unit in the rail sector.
Focon will still operate as an independent company within Mark IV’s Transportation business. Other companies in this group include Luminator Mass Transit in Plano, Texas, LLE of Germany and SLE of France. Mark IV Industries President David Oliver has joined the Focon board, in place of Børge Østerlund Jensen. Sandma Holding’s owner Jens Østerlund Jensen remains Chairman, and Henrik Raunkj
