Rueil Malmaison, France – July 12, 2006 – Schneider Electric announced that it will acquire, subject to regulatory approvals, VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik in Austria. This acquisition builds on the longstanding partnership between the two companies, as well as on the 60%-40% joint venture set up by Schneider Toshiba Inverter and VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik in 2004. Schneider Electric, a world leader in variable speed drives, will strengthen its position in the growing high-power segment (over 75 kW) with this transaction.VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik has years of experience and recognized expertise in the development and manufacture of high-power variable speed drive products and solutions. It enjoys solid market positions in Germany and Austria with its pDRIVE brand.
The company's 114 employees generated revenues of €34 million in 2005.The acquisition of VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik fits in fully with Schneider Electric's growth strategy in variable speed drives. Michel Crochon, Executive Vice-President of the Automation Business Unit at Schneider Electric, commented: "ELIN provides a perfect addition to the product and solutions lineup that the group wants to offer all its customers in this field." Schneider Electric expects that this acquisition will meet its Return on Capital Employed criteria within 3 years from completion.
About VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik
VA TECH ELIN EBG Elektronik is a recognized developer and manufacturer of high-power speed drive products and solutions.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is the world's power and control specialist. Through its world-class brands, Merlin Gerin, Square D and Telemecanique, Schneider Electric anticipates and satisfies its customers' requirements in the residential, building, industry and energy and infrastructure markets. With 92,000 employees and operations in 130 countries, Schneider Electric generated sales of €11.7 billion in 2005 through 13,000 distributor outlets.