Over the past year, Thule has been aggressively pursuing a global acquisition strategy with the end goal of doubling the size of its business to reach roughly $700 million in sales by 2007. The company has acquired the U.S. based C&C Trailers, a division of the U.S. Rack company, Sportworks, Italian based König S.p.A, and Sweden-based Star Industrier.

Thule has now announced its fifth acquisition for the year with a deal to take-over the Belgian manufacturer of accessories for Recreational Vehicles, Omnistor Accessories NV. With €34 million ($44 mm) in annual sales, Omnistor gives Thule an entry into the RV accessories market and provides additional organic growth opportunities.

“Omnistor’s products serve the same end-consumer segment active families and outdoor enthusiasts like Thule’s core business. The acquisition enlarges our product offer and opens new distribution channels for the entire Thule product portfolio” said Thule’s CEO, Anders Pettersson.

Omnistor, which Pettersson described as “highly profitable,” will be integrated as a business unit into Thule’s European car accessories division.