Siemens AG is acquiring the industrial drive technology (IDT) business of ebm-papst. The business, which employs around 650 people, includes integrated mechatronic systems in the extra-low voltage range and motion control systems.

The acquisition is intended to complement Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and strengthen Siemens’ position as a solutions provider for flexible production automation.

The integration of the IDT portfolio into the existing automation portfolio is intended to boost Siemens’ presence in flexible and autonomous factory automation.

The transaction is to be completed by mid-2025, subject to trade and merger control approvals. The IDT business of ebm-papst is located in St. Georgen and Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany, and in Oradea, Romania. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

IDT products are integrated mechatronic systems which support the automation of production processes. Through their use in mobile robots and in automation of auxiliary processes, such as the retooling of modern production machines, they provide greater flexibility in industrial systems.

Cedrik Neike, member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries, said: “Ebm-papst’s innovative portfolio of mechatronic drive systems and its highly qualified people are an excellent fit for Siemens. The acquisition will enable us to tap new business and customer potential in the rapidly growing market for intelligent, battery-powered drive solutions in intralogistics as well as mobile robot solutions.”

“The acquisition by Siemens is a strategically significant step for us. What our industrial drive technology (IDT) business had lacked until now was a global sales organisation for maximum growth. Siemens is a long-standing customer and a company with strong international market penetration and an extensive customer base. The integration that has now been agreed upon will give our IDT business global market access. It will open up new horizons for innovation and further growth,” said Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group. “We’ll use the proceeds from the sale of the IDT business to further expand our Air Technology and Heating Technology divisions, to further strengthen our three regions – Europe, Asia and the Americas – and to invest in future fields of our product portfolio, such as digitalisation and sustainability.”