ABB, the Swedish-Swiss multinational that specializes in automation and robotics technology, has acquired B&R, the world’s largest independent provider focused on product- and software-based, open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation worldwide. Financial terms were not disclosed.
B&R, headquartered in Eggelsberg, Austria, employs more than 3,000 people, operates across 70 countries and generates annual sales of more than $600 million in the $20 billion machine and factory automation market segment. ABB, which maintains U.S. offices in Danbury and Wilton, said the acquisition will help it expand its portfolio of digital solutions, ABB Ability, with B&R”™s application and software platforms.
On closing of the transaction, B&R will become part of ABB”™s Industrial Automation division as a new global business unit ”“ Machine & Factory Automation ”“ headed by Managing Director Hans Wimmer. B&R co-founders Erwin Bernecker and Josef Rainer will act as advisers during the integration phase to ensure continuity.
