Schmitz Cargobull will take full control of Austria’s Berger Fahrzeugtechnik, a specialist in light trailers, after initially acquiring a stake in 2024. The deal, subject to antitrust approval, focuses on industrial integration and expanding the offering for the European market.
Schmitz Cargobull is set to acquire 100% of Berger Fahrzeugtechnik, completing a process that began in 2024 with the purchase of a 49% stake. The transaction, announced on 21 April 2026, is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities. The aim is to fully integrate the Austrian company’s expertise into the German group, strengthening its position in the light trailer segment. The decision to acquire the entire share capital stems from the results of the collaboration launched two years ago. Berger’s expertise in lightweight construction has proved complementary to Schmitz Cargobull’s industrial capabilities and its European sales and service network. This has led both parties to view full integration as a logical step in their joint development.
In 2025, the two companies had already made joint investments at the Radfeld plant, upgrading production technologies and developing the new Evolution generation of the Bergerecotrail model. The line combines a lightweight optimised chassis developed by Berger with Schmitz Cargobull’s modular body system, resulting in a product focused on operational efficiency and weight reduction.
The acquisition enables Schmitz Cargobull to integrate specialised expertise in lightweight design, expanding its portfolio. As chief executive Andreas Schmitz stated, the integration will allow the company to offer customers a broader range of transport solutions, leveraging a single industrial and commercial platform. On the Berger Fahrzeugtechnik side, main shareholder Gerhard Berger highlighted that full integration into the group will accelerate technological development and increase penetration in the European market. Access to Schmitz Cargobull’s industrial structure and commercial network is seen as a key enabler for future growth.
