Pepperl+Fuchs, Mannheim, Germany, and the Siemens Division Industry Automation, Nuremberg, have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of the Siemens binary proximity sensors business by Pepperl+Fuchs. Both companies said they guarantee a delivery capacity without interruption during the integration.

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Pepperl+Fuchs, Mannheim, Germany, and the Siemens Division Industry Automation, Nuremberg, have signed an agreement regarding the acquisition of the Siemens binary proximity sensors business by Pepperl+Fuchs. Both companies said they guarantee a delivery capacity without interruption during the integration. The transfer of the business is scheduled for mid-2010.

The transaction amount was not disclosed. P+F says the acquisition would enlarge the P+F offering of inductive proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors and would strengthen its market position for ultrasonic sensor technology for factory automation.

After learning of the agreement, Control Engineering asked Siemens and Pepperl+Fuchs for more information about the transactions. See P+F answers online. Siemens' response follows:

CE: Why did Siemens sell this business?

Siemens : 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. They are the worldwide leading manufacturer of electronic sensors and components for intrinsically-safe explosion protection.

CE: For customers asking Siemens for proximity sensors after mid-year, what will be the reply?

Siemens : To guarantee continuity of supply of proximity switches, Siemens is asking its customer to please continue placing orders with existing contacts. The seamless transfer of the PX business to Pepperl+Fuchs is planned for the second quarter of this calendar year. In the interim, customers will continue to be served by Siemens sales channels as normal. There will be an announcement informing customers when Pepperl+Fuchs will take over as their supplier of proximity switches. After the contracts are signed (Q2 2010) there will be a transitional period of several months, during which the business will be transferred to the new owner. This involves establishing the IT infrastructure required by the new buyer and preparing premises where necessary. On the closing date, all business data, contracts, customer relationships, inventories and supplies, along with machinery and other equipment, will pass to Pepperl+Fuchs. At that time, Pepperl+Fuchs will take full responsibility for the PX business and will assume all rights and obligations.

CE: Are there any other business units or product lines for sale?

Siemens : Siemens doesn't have any announcements to make at this time.

www.siemens.com/industryautomation