Linking up Combining strengths

NEWS

Combining strengths

Outokumpu establishes joint venture to launch a turnaround for its tubular unit

Outokumpu and Andrea Gatti have signed a letter of intent on a joint venture arrangement for Outokumpu’s tubular unit (OSTP). Subject to the signing of the final agreement a company controlled by Mr Gatti will become a minority owner in OSTP and will have an option to become a majority owner of the business in the coming years.

CEO Mika Seitovirta says: “We welcome Andrea Gatti as our partner in OSTP’s turnaround. I am convinced that jointly we can reform OSTP to a profitable entity. Staying as an owner in the business enables Outokumpu to maintain the relationship as a supplier to the OSTP units and retain a big part of the value increase that we expect the turnaround plan to deliver.”

OSTP will be separated from Outokumpu and it will be managed through the OSTP Board, with a chairman appointed by Outokumpu. The turnaround plan for OSTP will be further detailed by the partners in the joint venture and it will include significant streamlining of the production structure, optimisation of the product portfolio and general cost reduction. Visit: www.outokumpu.com

Brenntag achieves strategic market entry in China

Brenntag, the global market leader in chemical distribution, has signed a purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Zhong Yung (International) Chemical Ltd. Brenntag will hold a majority stake of 51% and will acquire the remaining stake in 2016. Entering into a joint venture for five years gives Brenntag the opportunity to use the experience and know-how of Zhong Yung and its management team to establish a solid business platform for Brenntag in China.

“This acquisition is a strategic investment for Brenntag in China and also a first step through which Brenntag demonstrates full commitment to build a solid distribution network in China. We are continuing to look for further opportunities to support our growth in Asia Pacific.” says Brenntag’s COO and designated CEO Steve Holland.

Henri Néjade, President of Brenntag Asia Pacific, highlights: “We are delighted to team up with Zhong Yung because it opens the opportunity for further growth in China. Zhong Yung is a major chemical distributor with about 2000 customers, more than 100 suppliers and has an excellent infrastructure including laboratories, blending and storage capabilities.” Visit: www.brenntag.com

ABB acquires the Trasfor Group and expands its transformer business

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has agreed to acquire the Trasfor Group to expand its offering of speciality transformers and address fast growing markets and applications.

Trasfor is a leading manufacturer of dry-type transformers and inductors for low-voltage and mediumvoltage applications. It provides speciality products for drives, railway rolling stock, offshore wind power and other types of power generation based on renewable energy, and in addition supplies a range of industries such as marine, oil and gas.

“This bolt-on acquisition is in line with ABB’s strategy. It will strengthen our transformers business, broaden our customer offering and extend our market presence,” said Bernhard Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products division. “Trasfor’s energy-efficient product range complements our transformer portfolio and offers scope for synergies and growth.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. ABB expects the closing to be completed during the second half of this year. Visit: www.abb.com

Sika acquires contract manufacturer in Switzerland

Sika AG, headquartered in Baar, is acquiring Romanshorn-based plastic products manufacturer Biro Edwin Bischof AG. Biro produces injection-moulded parts for the European automotive industry on behalf of customers including Sika. The company generated sales of CHF 35 million in 2010 and employs approximately 150 people.

Biro Edwin Bischof AG was founded by Edwin Bischof in 1962. Today 55% of the company’s output is destined for the automotive industry. The vast majority of these parts are produced for Sika. Biro Edwin Bischof AG has come under increasing pressure in recent years as a result of the financial and business crisis. The acquisition will put it on a new financial footing and avoid a situation that would threaten its continued existence.

Biro Edwin Bischof AG has been producing parts for the automotive industry on Sika’s behalf for over ten years. By acquiring the company, Sika is therefore ensuring that production will continue and its various supply commitments to its partners will be upheld. Visit: www.sika.com

Philips acquires Spanish LED lighting business

Royal Philips Electronics has agreed to acquire Spain-based lighting company Indal as part of its plans to strengthen its market position in Europe. Under the terms of the deal Indal will become part of the Professional Luminaries business of Netherlands-based Philips Lighting. Financial details of the purchase were not disclosed.

Valladolid-headquartered Indal manufactures primarily outdoor lighting products. According to a statement the buy will lead the transition to energyefficient LED-based lighting applications.

Marc de Jong, general manager of Professional Luminaries at Philips Lighting, comments: “Indal’s capabilities in delivering lighting [products] make it a natural fit with Philips, further strengthening our ability to offer our customers integrated and highvalue options for professional lighting.”

Chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Indal, Sebastian Arias, says that the deal will enable the two businesses to pool technologies, teams and practices to lead the ‘LED revolution’. Visit: www.philips.com

LINKINGUP

MAUSER NCG acquires majority shares of Maider IBC ONET Technologies takes

MAUSER’s reconditioning subsidiary National Container Group (NCG) has acquired the majority shares of the Italian company Maider IBC, a leading reconditioner of IBCs. For MAUSER, Italy is an important key market in the packaging industry. With this transaction, it not only further strengthens its overall footprint but furthermore completes its Europe-wide presence.

Maider IBC mainly offers new and reconditioned composite IBCs as well as cleaning of asset tanks. The company enjoys a very good reputation and is the market leader in IBC reconditioning in Italy. By acquiring a majority of the shares of Maider IBC, MAUSER accelerates its overall carbon footprint reduction strategy and is able to better serve customers with sustainable packaging solutions in this region. With the expansion of the NCG network in Europe, MAUSER significantly strengthens its market position and customers in Italy benefit from the possibility of combining economy with ecology.

“Being part of a global player who puts life cycle management at its core business offers attractive synergies and new potentials for Maider and for our customers,” summarises Marca Carrara, the founder and managing director of Maider IBC. Visit: www.mausergroup.com

over Bradtec Decon

ONET Technologies has strengthened its presence in the UK further to the takeover of Bradtec Decon Technologies Ltd, a company specialising in decontamination procedures. ONET is France’s leader in decontamination and wanted to boost its operations in Britain, where the French-based company already has a subsidiary.

The acquisition will enable ONET Technologies to further enlarge its portfolio of technological solutions for decontamination while underpinning its strategy for international expansion and simultaneously benefiting Bradtec.

“Working with ONET Technologies will bring real added value and will underline our respective areas of technical expertise,” says David Bradbury, former director general of Bradtec Decon Technologies and newly appointed technical director of ONET Technologies.

Through its integration into ONET Technologies, Badtec will find new openings for its processes among the numerous dismantling contracts managed by ONET Technologies. Visit: www.onettechnologies.com

EDF Energies Nouvelles and DONG Energy team up to respond to French call for tenders

With over 20 years’ experience in the northern European offshore wind energy market, Denmark’s DONG Energy will bring its expertise as a specialist and pioneer in this sector. DONG Energy is the utility that has built most offshore wind farms in the world, with to date over 1000 MW and 12 wind farms in operation as well as 1300 MW under construction.

“We are very happy to be working together with a well-known European partner on the forthcoming call for tenders in France and to combine its longstanding experience in offshore wind energy with our own,” said Yvon André, COO of EDF Energies Nouvelles.

With this exclusive partnership, both groups will combine their skills and their investment capacities within a common structure, to be majority-owned by EDF EN, with the objective to guarantee the technical and financial strengths for the offshore wind energy projects in connection with the invitation for tender of the French government. Visit: www.edf.com