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SBS Tanks, the Durban-based steel water storage company, has been acquired by Ahrens Group, a fifth-generation, family-owned Australian contracting and manufacturing business.
SBS Founder and Group CEO Delayne Gray said Ahrens was a natural partner for the next stage of the company’s journey.
“Ahrens understands our industry, our customers and our purpose. Given SBS originally began as a Pioneer Water Tanks distributor, there is a level of familiarity and trust that has existed for many years. This partnership feels like a natural evolution,” he says.
“What stood out most was Ahrens’ respect for legacy, people and culture. As a family-owned business with a proud history of its own, they understand the importance of protecting what has been built while creating opportunities for future growth,” adds Gray
However, the deal terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition strengthens Ahrens’ growing international water infrastructure portfolio, which already includes Pioneer Water Tanks, Southern Cross Water, and Altanks.
Beyond water infrastructure, Ahrens operates across construction, engineering, mining services, and fabrication, delivering industrial and commercial buildings, material handling, structural steel, and grain storage and handling solutions across Australia.
The company has offices and factories in every Australian state and territory and has expanded internationally into the United States and Asia.
Post-acquisition, SBS Tanks will continue to operate under its existing brand, from its Durban headquarters, and under its current leadership team, led by Group CEO Delayne Gray.
All existing trading arrangements, supplier agreements, subcontractor relationships, contracts, and banking arrangements remain unchanged, the company confirms.
The combined business employs more than 2,000 people globally.
SBS Tanks brings expertise in steel water storage and export markets, while Ahrens provides the scale, financial strength, and vertically integrated capabilities of a global manufacturing and infrastructure business with operations in Australia, the United States, and Asia.
The South African company currently has site installation teams of 70+ employees working across Africa, as well as sales and project management offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya, and Texas in the United States.
The acquisition extends Ahrens’ footprint into Africa.
“SBS brings significant capability to our business and strengthens our position as a global water infrastructure provider,” says Ahrens Managing Director Stefan Ahrens. “They have built an outstanding reputation across Africa and international export markets, supported by strong engineering expertise, quality manufacturing, dedicated installation teams and a customer-first approach that aligns closely with our own values.”
“This acquisition reinforces our position as the number one lined steel water tank company in the world and drives our long-term vision to become the world’s number one steel water tank business. SBS gives us a substantial manufacturing footprint in Africa, complements our existing operations in Australia, Vietnam and the United States, and opens up exciting opportunities across new markets,” adds Ahrens.
