KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry has acquired the elevator and escalator business of Marryat & Scott (Kenya) Ltd. and Marryats East Africa Limited,  its authorized distributors in East and Central Africa. These acquisitions will help KONE expand its presence in the African market and improve the availability of KONE's people flow solutions in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Marryat & Scott (Kenya) Ltd. has operated in the African elevator and escalator market for over 50 years and acted as KONE's distributor in the country since 2003. Marryats East Africa Limited has been KONE's distributor in Uganda since 2003. Together, the companies employ over 120 employees.

"Africa is urbanizing rapidly and new housing and infrastructure building projects are emerging as a result. This creates business opportunities for KONE," says Pierre Liautaud, Executive Vice President and Area Director for KONE West and South Europe and Africa. "These acquisitions are in line with our long-term business strategy, and we look forward to bringing reliable products and services to Kenya, Uganda and their neighboring regions," Liautaud adds.

The acquisitions were booked in the third quarter of 2014.

Previous KONE press releases are available at www.kone.com/press including: