Sumitomo and BIA Group announce ‘strategic partnership’

Independent OEM distributor BIA Group and Sumitomo Corporation have entered a strategic partnership

The partnership will give Sumitomo Corporation will exposure to the mining and construction machinery market in the European and African geographies served by BIA Group, while BIA Group will benefit from Sumitomo Corporation’s global network and its experience in the distribution of Komatsu equipment in complementary geographies.

BIA Group is the exclusive distributor of Komatsu equipment and other OEMs in Africa and in the Benelux region. Sumitomo Corporation operates a diverse portfolio of businesses globally, including a longstanding experience in the distribution of Komatsu equipment and rental of equipment.

“This partnership allows BIA Group to set up new ambitions in the growing African market,” said Mr. Vincent Bia, CEO of the BIA Group. “

“By leveraging both companies’ long experience in the distribution of Komatsu equipment, we will be able to strengthen our market position by offering innovating solutions to our customers in the Construction, Mining, Transport, and Energy segments.”

The agreement includes a minority investment by Sumitomo Corporation in the BIA Group.