linking up Combining strengths

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Combining strengths

E.on invests in platform provider cuculus

E.ON has strengthened its expertise in digital and networked customer solutions with a new partnership. The company has acquired a stake in Cuculus, a software start-up based in Ilmenau. Together, the partners will develop solutions for the intelligent house of the future. The technical basis for this is the Internet of Things (IoT), in which different devices and systems can communicate and control each other via the Internet.

In the new energy world, solar systems, battery storage systems – including virtual ones such as the E.ON SolarCloud – and electric vehicles and charging systems are all part of the house. All these systems must be continuously automated and coordinated in order to use energy as efficiently as possible.

With ZONOS, Cuculus has an IoT platform designed to meet this need. At the same time, the system is already being used by numerous customers worldwide for the management of smart meters. The solution, which has been continuously improved since 2007, is characterised by its high security standards, scalability and flexibility. Visit: www.eon.com

CERATIZIT acquires KOMET GROUP

The CERATIZIT Group, headquartered in Mamer, Luxembourg, has announced the acquisition of the KOMET GROUP, headquartered in Besigheim, Germany.

“The disruptive changes in the market environment pose enormous challenges for KOMET. The acquisition by CERATIZIT now opens up new opportunities for sustainable growth,” says Dr Christof Bönsch, CEO of the KOMET GROUP. “The takeover sees the emergence of a new global player with superior technology expertise and broad market access.”

CERATIZIT is committed to Germany as a key production and innovation hub. “Employees can look forward to a positive and attractive future because, as a privately owned company, CERATIZIT is keen to develop its sites in a sustainable manner,” says Bönsch. The implementation of the ‘KOMET 2026’ strategy will be continued in order to ensure the safety of the jobs.

The KOMET brand will play a pivotal role in the CERATIZIT Group’s cutting tools strategy. Going forward, customers will have an even stronger partner in all areas of cutting tools technology, from turning and milling to the complete machining of holes. Visit: www.ceratizit.com

autoneum, nittoku and Toyota Boshoku establish joint venture

Autoneum and the Japanese automobile suppliers Nittoku (Nihon Tokushu Toryo) and Toyota Boshoku have agreed on the establishment of a joint venture for research and development in vehicle acoustics. The collaboration, which is subject to approval by regulatory authorities, is expected to begin in January 2018.

By means of the joint venture, acoustic studies for Toyota Motor Corporation and other automotive related companies will be conducted in Japan under the scientific lead of Autoneum. In future, customers will benefit from the expertise of the Swiss innovation leader and its Japanese partners both in the predevelopment of vehicle models with NV benchmarking (noise, vibration) and subsequently in vehicle development with computer-aided design of customised acoustics systems. In order to guarantee the highest standards, measurement systems and simulation software developed by Autoneum will be deployed at the acoustic centre located at Toyota Boshoku in Japan. Visit: www.autoneum.com

Schaeffler buys autinity systems

The Schaeffler Group has been consistently implementing its digital agenda, which includes the takeover of autinity. The Chemnitz-based IT company specialises in digital machine data recording and evaluation.

Chief Digital officer Gerhard Baum said: “The acquisition of this company will help us to intensify our collaboration and accelerate further developments in the fields of machine data recording and condition monitoring. Both topics are key essential elements of Schaeffler’s digital agenda, which are in strong demand both from internal and external customers.”

As part of its ‘mobility for tomorrow’ strategy, Schaeffler has defined digitalisation as a core future opportunity. establishing internal structures, the partnership with IBm, the cooperation with the Friedrich-Alexander-university of erlangen-Nuremberg (SHARe at FAu), the active involvement in the industrial data space in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, and the takeover of autinity are important components in implementing Schaeffler’s digital agenda. Visit: www.schaeffler.com

LINKINgUP

Materialise takes over actech

Materialise has announced the acquisition of ACTech, a Germany-based leader in producing limited runs of highly complex cast metal parts. The transaction brings together the metal competencies of Materialise, a leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions and software, with those of ACTech, into a comprehensive metal manufacturing offering.

ACTech has over 20 years of deep knowledge and experience in the production, treatment and quality control of complex metal parts. The acquisition of ACTech’s expertise and in-house infrastructure will enable Materialise to accelerate the development of its existing metal competence centre and take a strong position in the market for the production and delivery of unique, complex 3D-printed metal parts.

Furthermore, the acquisition of ACTech will enable Materialise to develop and improve its software suite for Metal 3D Printing through close collaboration with ACTech, taking advantage of learning from an active metal manufacturing environment.

“Through the acquisition, we are further enhancing the manufacturing and software backbone position that will support the entire industry,” said Wilfried Vancraen, founder and CEO of Materialise. Visit: www.materialise.com

aker BP acquires Hess norge

Aker BP ASA has entered into an agreement to acquire Hess Norge AS. Through the transaction, Aker BP will strengthen its production and resource base, and become the sole owner of the Valhall and Hod fields, where the company sees great potential for value creation through increased oil recovery and flank developments. The company intends to increase shareholder dividends following the transaction.

The cash consideration of the transaction is USD 2.0 billion. The transaction includes Hess Norge’s interests in the Valhall (64.05 per cent) and Hod (62.5 per cent) fields. Aker BP will also assume Hess Norge’s tax positions, which include a tax loss carry forward with a net nominal after-tax value of USD 1.5 billion, as booked in Hess Norge’s 2016 annual accounts.

Aker BP’s Chairman, Øyvind Eriksen, comments: “The acquisition of Hess Norge is another move as a part of our ambition to grow the company. This investment allows Aker BP to raise the dividend level to USD 350 million per year with the first uplift planned for the fourth quarter of 2017. Through the equity issue, we are enabling Aker BP to grow further on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.” Visit: www.akerbp.com

Chinese company Zhongwang acquires German manufacturer

One of the world leaders in the development and manufacture of aluminium products, China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd has completed the acquisition of Aluminiumwerk Unna AG. Founded in 1914, Aluminiumwerk Unna AG is based in Unna, Germany and supplies, amongst others, globally renowned airplane manufacturers with high quality seamless aluminium tubes.

“Zhongwang is a reliable strategic partner and we are especially pleased about this fusion,” states Thomas Wiese, ALUnna CEO. “As the world’s second largest producer of industrial aluminium products, Zhongwang will support us to achieve further flexibility in the areas of financing and operative business, to achieve long term growth, to reinforce our international reputation and recognition and to strengthen our position as a leading worldwide supplier. We look forward to the partnership with Zhongwang. In the long term the merger offers more room for development for current employees as well as creating new jobs.

Zhongwang has strategically expanded its global business. Through its acquisition of Aluminiumwerk Unna AG, the market leader in Germany as well as Europe, Zhongwang has officially entered the European market. Visit: www.alunnatubes.com

gARO purchases WEB-EL Försäljning

GARo has acquired WeB-el Försäljning AB. WeB-el develops and sells systems and electronic components for controlling sockets for charging stations, engine heaters, camp sites and marinas.

GARo has worked closely on the development of electronic products and controls with WeB-el for several years. The company also developed a server service together with GARo that enables online connection, debiting for electricity consumption and monitoring of GARo’s products. Today, this system is mainly used for engine heater and camping products.

Carl-Johan Dalin, president and Ceo of GARo, comments: “GARo is a market leader in charging stations, engine heaters and power supply products for camp sites and marinas. With this acquisition, we will obtain broad expertise for the further development of customised services that are increasing in demand from our customers. This is an investment for a digitalised future. We are delighted that the company’s personnel will come and work for GARo to lead the development of these products and services.” Visit: www.garo.se