ABB Group, the leading provider of power and automation technologies, announces the acquisition of B&R, the largest independent provider focused on product-and software-based, open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation worldwide. The acquisition will deliver the next level strategy for ABB Group by filling the entity's historic gap in machine and factory automation. On closing of the transaction, B&R will become part of ABB Group’s Industrial Automation division as a new global business unit.

The acquisition will further help ABB Group in expanding its digital offering by combining its industry-leading portfolio of digital solutions, ABB Ability, with B&R's strong application and software platforms, its large installed base, customer access and tailored automation solutions. Additionally, the acquisition will benefit ABB Group in intensifying its industrial automation offering by integrating B&R's innovative products in PLC, Industrial PCs and

servo motion as well as its software and solution suite. ABB Group will offer its customers a uniquely comprehensive, open-architecture automation portfolio.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO, ABB Group asserts, "B&R is a gem in the world of machine and factory automation and this combination is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This transaction marks a true milestone for ABB Group, as B&R will close the historic gap within ABB Group's automation offering. This is a perfect fit and will make us the only industrial automation provider offering customers the entire spectrum of technology and software solutions around measurement, control, actuation, robotics, digitalization and electrification. This acquisition perfectly delivers on our Next Level strategy. With our unique digital offering and our installed base of more than 70 million connected devices, 70,000 control systems and now more than 3 million automated machines and 27,000 factory installations around the world, we enable our combined global customer base to seize the huge opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution".

ABB Group announces the acquisition of B&R, the largest independent provider focused on product-and software-based, open-architecture solutions for machine and factory automation worldwide

Speaking on the event, Josef Rainer, Co-Founder, B&R proclaims, "This combination offers fantastic opportunities for B&R, its customers and employees. We are convinced that ABB Group offers the best platform for the next chapter of our growth story. ABB Group's global presence, digital offering and complementary portfolio will be key for us to further accelerate our pace of innovation and growth".