Siemens has signed an agreement to acquire the Industrial Drive Technologies (IDT) business of ebm-papst. The business, which employs around 650 people, includes intelligent integrated mechatronics systems and innovative motion control systems in the protective ultra-low voltage range. These systems are used in free-running autonomous transportation systems. The planned acquisition will complement the Siemens Xcelerator product portfolio and strengthen Siemens’ position as a leading solution provider for flexible production automation.
Cedrik Neike, Member of the Board of Directors of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industry, said: “EBM-papst’s innovative product portfolio of mechatronic drive systems and its highly qualified people are a perfect fit for Siemens. This acquisition will enable us to compete in the fast-growing Unlock new business and customer potential in the market with intelligent battery-powered solutions for intralogistics and mobile robotic solutions.”
IDT products are intelligent, integrated electromechanical systems that support the automation and digitization of production processes. The acquisition will be a strong addition to Siemens’ Xcelerator product portfolio. Through their use in mobile robots and driverless transport vehicles, as well as in auxiliary process automation, such as the retrofitting of modern production machines, they become an important lever for increasing flexibility and productivity. Hence, this segment is expected to witness high market growth.
Integrating the IDT product portfolio into the existing automation product portfolio and leveraging Siemens' global sales network will open new market channels and generate huge business potential in the field of flexible and autonomous factory automation.
The transaction is due to close in mid-2025, subject to necessary foreign trade and merger control approvals. ebm-papst's IDT operations are located in St. Georgen and Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, and Oradea, Romania. The parties agreed not to disclose the merger price.
Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of ebm-papst Group, added: “The acquisition by Siemens is a strategic step for us. What our Industrial Drive Technologies (IDT) business has lacked so far is the potential for maximum growth. Global Sales Organization. Siemens is a long-standing customer and a company with strong international market penetration and a broad customer base. The integration now agreed will enable our IDT business to access global markets. It will provide opportunities for innovation and further growth. Opening up new horizons. We will use the proceeds from the sale of the IDT business to further expand our Air Technology and Heating Technology divisions, further strengthen our three regions – Europe, Asia and the Americas – and invest in future areas of our product portfolio , such as digitalization and sustainability.”
