Siemens to acquire ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology business to enhance automation portfolio

Siemens AG has announced its strategic agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology (IDT) business from ebm-papst, marking a significant move to bolster its Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and affirm its position as a frontrunner in the realm of flexible production automation. The IDT business, renowned for its intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems used in applications such as driverless transport systems, employs around 650 individuals.

Cedrik Neike, a key figure at Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, noting the seamless alignment of ebm-papst’s cutting-edge drive systems with Siemens’ mission. The integration is poised to unlock new avenues in the burgeoning market for intelligent, battery-powered drive solutions, notably in intralogistics and mobile robot solutions. This move is expected to tap into untapped business and customer bases, leveraging the innovative potential of the IDT products.

IDT’s portfolio includes advanced mechatronic systems pivotal for the automation and digitalization of production processes. These systems play a crucial role in enhancing flexibility and productivity through their application in mobile robots, driverless vehicles, and the automation of auxiliary processes. Given the anticipated market growth in this sector, Siemens’ acquisition represents a timely strategic expansion.

The incorporation of the IDT business into Siemens’ automation offerings and leveraging Siemens’ global sales network is forecasted to generate significant business opportunities in flexible and autonomous factory automation. With the transaction expected to conclude by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals, this acquisition promises to deliver global market access and foster innovation and growth for the IDT business.

Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, underscoring the global market access and innovation horizons it opens for the IDT business. The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into expanding ebm-papst’s Air Technology and Heating Technology divisions, alongside investments in digitalization and sustainability.

This acquisition underscores Siemens’ dedication to sustainable innovation and its leading role in supplying future-oriented systems and solutions for flexible production automation. It not only enriches the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio but also positions Siemens AG as a technology leader in factory automation and digitalization, promising major growth opportunities in intelligent, battery-powered drive solutions.