EQUIPMENT: Cat to sell part of Bucyrus distribution to Hewitt, Atlantic

PEORIA, Illinois - Caterpillar and Hewitt Equipment announced that they have signed an agreement for Hewitt and its subsidiary, Atlantic Tractors & Equipment, to acquire the Bucyrus equipment distribution and support business in the province of Quebec, western Labrador and the Maritimes.

"We are very enthusiastic about this agreement, under which we will provide an even broader product offering to our valued mining customers," said Jim Hewitt, president and CEO of Hewitt. "We are already making significant investments in facilities and in training to further strengthen [our] support capability. Further, as the transition takes place, we will be investing heavily in parts and component inventories to help ensure our customers attain optimal availability of their Cat and Bucyrus equipment. We also look forward to welcoming the former Bucyrus employees who will be joining the Hewitt Team."

Caterpillar has announced similar transactions with other dealers over the last several months. Caterpillar continues to hold discussions with other Cat dealers that have mining activity in their territories and will continue to operate the former Bucyrus distribution business until the transitions have occurred in a given territory.

See Caterpillar.com, Hewitt.ca. and AtlCat.ca.