Quebec-based Demers Ambulances merges with American competitor

Feb. 6, 2018 – Demers Ambulances, a Quebec-based maker of ambulances is merging with Ohio-based Braun Industries to create the second-largest ambulance maker in North America.

The financial terms of the deal were not released.

Braun is a family-owned company that has been manufacturing custom ambulances since 1972, delivering hundreds of ambulances each year. For Braun, the merger provides an increased capacity to drive product enhancements, improve product value, and to better serve more customers across the U.S. network, it says.

Demers employs about 150 workers at its Beloeil plant in the Montreal suburbs and makes three types of the emergency response vehicles for both medical and fire crews. The Canadian company said the merger will help it increase its U.S. market share and create a business capable of competing on a global scale.

“As the family contemplated many growth plans for a successful future, joining another successful brand that creates value for our workforce and customers, was top of mind. With this merger, our employees, customers and dealers stand to benefit from over 100 years of combined experience,” said Kim Braun, CEO of Braun. She will maintain her current leadership positions of the Braun brands and related operations, based in Van Wert, Ohio.

Both companies will retain their own brands, identities, facilities and employees. The combined company will be led by Alain Brunelle, CEO of Demers Ambulances.

“We are very pleased with our progress in strengthening our presence and pursuing growth,” said Brunelle. “Partnering with Braun provides us the right opportunity to better serve and service our customers, strengthen our employee base, and enhance our capacity to operate and innovate in a competitive, global industry.”