GEC NEWS WIREABB revealed that it has completed its acquisition of B&R (Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH). “Following the acquisition of B&R, we are the only industrial automation provider offering customers in process and discrete industries the entire spectrum of technology and software solutions around measurement, control, actuation, robotics, digitalization and electrification,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.
Through the acquisition of B&R, ABB is taking another major step 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.
“There is a strong cultural fit between B&R and ABB, including our shared commitment to customer-centric, open-architecture software and solutions. This will ensure a smooth integration as we combine our strengths and maximize our uniquely comprehensive offering for the benefit of our customers,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Industrial Automation division.
With the closing of the transaction, B&R becomes part of ABB’s Industrial Automation division as a new global business unit called Machine & Factory Automation, integrating ABB’s PLC activities. The unit is headquartered in Eggelsberg, Austria, ABB’s new global center for machine and factory automation, and is headed by Hans Wimmer, former Managing Director of B&R. The co-founders of B&R, Erwin Bernecker and Josef Rainer, will act as advisors during the integration process. “With our compatible cultures, complementary strengths and leading technologies, ABB and B&R will have an even more compelling value proposition to offer our customers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution” said Hans Wimmer, Managing Director of ABB’s new Machine & Factory Automation business unit
