L to R: Roberto Lanzone, Gina Debrin (Roberto's wife) and Erik van der Goot.

INTRUPA International Holding bv and LTE SpA have announced a merger of their businesses that they expect will enhance their ability to deliver forklift parts and service to the European market.

INTRUPA has principal offices and distribution facilities in Cujik, the Netherlands, and LTE has principal offices and distribution facilities in Torino and Milano, Italy.

An INTRUPA statement said the merger would immediately increase product offering, product availability and the financial strength of both companies, and improve delivery times and technical support.

Erik van der Goot, Intrupa managing director, and Roberto Lanzone, LTE managing director, said in a joint statement: "Both companies performed well in 2004 and are coming together from positions of strength at a time when there are significant opportunities for enhanced future growth. The new group will be better placed to capture and exploit this growth."

The companies would continue to operate under their own names and from their current premises.

Combined, the companies' product line will offer more than 65,000 SKUs and represent more than 650,000 OE applications for forklifts.