Siemens Sells Sensor Business to Pepperl+Fuchs

Pepperl+Fuchs and the Siemens Industry Automation Division, have signed an agreement for P+F to acquire Siemens' proximity sensors business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The acquisition will enlarge the P+F offering of inductive proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors and strengthen its market position in ultrasonic sensor technology for factory automation.

"We wish to benefit from the technological spectrum, the highly qualified personnel, and the strong market position of Siemens, above all in the field of ultrasonic sensors, for becoming even more competitive and profitable," said Dr. Gunther Kegel, CEO of Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH.

Speaking exclusively to Control Engineering, Dr Kegel added that, "The structure of the transaction is an asset deal. As such major machine assets, tools, IP, customer base, product design and manufacturing know how will be transferred as well as a limited number of people from R+D and manufacturing.

"The entire program of Siemens proximity sensors will completely incorporated into the P+F offering. At a later stage, R+D projects will be launched to develop next generation products in order to migrate the existing lines into each other. This timeline allows the existing customers to continue to order products under the same order code. As such a smooth transition and continuous delivery capability will be assured."

Quizzed by Control Engineering about the strategic rationale for the deal, Siemens said, " As part of the ongoing review of our portfolio, Siemens has decided to sell its Simatic PX production sensor business to Pepperl+Fuchs.

"The sale of the PX business reflects the decision by Siemens AG to withdraw strategically from the production sensor business, specifically proximity switches. Siemens' goal was to find a buyer who could offer better development opportunities outside Siemens for the Simatic PX proximity switches. Pepperl+Fuchs is just such a company."