Bulten AB, a leading global manufacturer and distributor of fasteners, has announced a major strategic restructuring through separate agreements to sell its automotive contract manufacturing operations in China and Europe. The move marks the Swedish fastener giant’s full-scale transition toward an asset-light, high-value strategic direction.

Under the deals, Bulten has divested a 100% equity stake in its Chinese subsidiary Bulten Fasteners (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. for CNY 1 million to a local investment group led by Kaikai Chen. The unit, which employs approximately 86 staff and generates annual revenue of around CNY 88 million, previously served as a dedicated supplier for Volvo’s manufacturing operations in China.

Meanwhile, Bulten has agreed to offload its European automotive contract manufacturing business to Swedish investment firm Maelir AB at an enterprise value of roughly EUR 44.5 million. The transaction covers two sales and service entities in Sweden and Romania, as well as four manufacturing facilities across Sweden, Germany and Poland, with a workforce of about 1,000 employees. The European business posts annual net sales of approximately SEK 1.9 billion, accounting for 38% of the group’s total net sales.

Axel Berntsson, President and CEO of Bulten AB, commented that the divestment represents a natural step in the review of the company’s portfolio and production footprint. The sale supports the group’s goal of building a less capital-intensive Bulten, while sharpening its focus on profitability, cash generation and capital efficiency.

Bulten reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Chinese market, and will concentrate its resources on high-precision components and C-Parts distribution, targeting selected sectors such as renewable energy, consumer electronics and medical technology.

Upon completion of the transactions, Bulten’s business portfolio will become more focused, with a significantly expanded share of C-Parts management, sourcing and trading, distribution, value-added services and precision manufacturing. Brand usage rights will be transferred to Maelir AB at deal closing, while Bulten will retain usage rights for a maximum period of 24 months.