Strategic expansion: Siemens to acquire ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology business

Siemens AG has signed an agreement to acquire the industrial drive technology (IDT) business of ebm-papst. The business reportedly includes intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems in the protective extra-low voltage range and motion control systems. These systems are used in free-range driverless transport systems.

Siemens shares that this planned acquisition will complement its Xcelerator portfolio and strengthen its position as a solutions provider for flexible production automation.

“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,” said Cedrik Neike, member of the managing board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries.

Siemens notes in its press statement that IDT products are intelligent, integrated mechatronic systems, which support the automation and digitalization of production processes. This acquisition will be a strong addition to the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. Through their use in mobile robots and driverless transport vehicles as well as in the automation of auxiliary processes, such as the retooling of modern production machines, they are an important lever for flexibility and productivity.

Siemens expects to complete the transaction by mid-2025. The company explains that integrating the IDT portfolio into its existing automation portfolio and using its global sales network will open up new market access and generate significant business potential in flexible and autonomous factory automation.

“The acquisition by Siemens is a strategically significant step for us. What our industrial drive technology (IDT) business lacked until now was a global sales organization 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,” added 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 digitalization and sustainability.”