WINTERSTEIGER Strengthens Its International Sports Business Through an Acquisition
The successful acquisition of QBL Systems, a Polish provider of rental and retail solutions, increases the depth of value creation within the WINTERSTEIGER Group and strengthens the competitiveness of the Division Sports.
The WINTERSTEIGER Group, headquartered in Ried im Innkreis, is further expanding its sports business: On March 9, the Upper Austrian plant engineering and machinery manufacturer acquired the Polish company QBL Systems. QBL is an established provider of rental and retail solutions for, among others, specialty sports retailers, mountain rail operators, rental service providers, and the hospitality industry. This move complements WINTERSTEIGER’s existing portfolio with additional design and equipment expertise.
The acquisition is part of a clear forward-looking strategy: WINTERSTEIGER is thereby strengthening its international competitiveness, expanding its own value chain, and further developing its offerings in the area of store and equipment solutions. “This step is a clear commitment to integrated solutions in the sports segment. By combining technical expertise with design know-how, we can support our customers even more comprehensively and implement projects in a more holistic manner. This positions us as a strong, reliable partner,” emphasizes CEO Pierre Bilgeri. In addition, new opportunities have opened up for international sales, which form the basis for further growth.
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Goleszów in southern Poland, QBL Systems employs approximately 100 people and most recently generated annual revenue of about 8.5 million euros. The acquisition establishes a central hub in Poland for the newly created Storage Systems business unit. QBL’s previous owner, Wojciech Śliwka, will remain the company’s managing director and will also take on the role of business unit head. In doing so, WINTERSTEIGER is deliberately focusing on continuity, integration based on partnership, and shared growth.