Gorenje, the Solvenian appliance manufacturer, has bought the Antonio Merloni-owned Asko Appliances Group for an undisclosed sum.

Asko, which has been based in Sweden for over 60 years, has over 900 employees and 80% of its appliances are exported and distributed in Norway, Denmark, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

In buying the company outright, Gorenje says it is part of its strategy as a 'fast growing pan-European player".

It's own production is made up of dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers in Vara, Sweden, and cookers and ovens in Lahti, Finland. Its brands are 'Asko' in the high-end of the market and 'Upo' in the mid-market.