The acquisition optimises Dana’s global manufacturing presence to be closer to customers in key growth markets such as China and India, as well as the US

Dana Incorporated has signed a definitive agreement to purchase the Drive Systems segment of the Oerlikon Group, a global manufacturer of high-precision gears; planetary hub drives for wheeled and tracked vehicles; and products, controls, and software that support vehicle electrification across the mobility industry.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dana will acquire Oerlikon’s Drive Systems business for CHF 600 million (approximately $ 600 million). Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the acquisition is expected to close in late 2018 or the first quarter of 2019.

Consistent with Dana’s enterprise strategy, the acquisition of Oerlikon Drive Systems provides numerous opportunities to drive profitable growth. Among them, the transaction:

The acquisition complements and extends Dana’s current technology portfolio, especially with respect to high-precision helical gears for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets and planetary hub drives for wheeled and tracked vehicles in the off-highway market. The transaction provides products, controls, and software that support vehicle electrification in each of Dana’s end markets – light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and off-highway. The deal optimises Dana’s global manufacturing presence to be closer to customers in key growth markets such as China and India, as well as the US. The transaction adds five research and development facilities to Dana’s extensive network of technology centers.

“Oerlikon’s technology will enable Dana to expand our product offerings for customers in the off-highway segment while complementing our rapidly growing portfolio of electrified product offerings for all end markets. Further, Oerlikon’s manufacturing and R&D footprint enhances our ability to serve many of our current customers while connecting us with new customers, especially in India and China,” said Jim Kamsickas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dana.

Founded in 1919, Oerlikon Drive Systems generated revenue of CHF 730 million (approximately $ 730 million) in 2017. The business employs approximately 5,900 people and operates 10 manufacturing and engineering facilities in China, India, Italy, the UK, and the US, with two additional facilities under construction in China. The business serves a global roster of original-equipment manufacturers. Selected customers include AGCO, Ashok Leyland, Aston Martin, BMW, Caterpillar, CNH, Daimler, John Deere, Ferrari, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, MAN, McLaren, Oshkosh, SANY, Scania, Terex, Volkswagen, and AB Volvo.

Oerlikon Drive Systems is composed of two global brands, Oerlikon Graziano and Oerlikon Fairfield, which offer engineering and manufacturing expertise in the development of gear-driven solutions for mobile vehicles and industrial equipment. Its high-tech products can be found in a wide range of applications for operating machinery and equipment used in agriculture, construction, energy, mining, transportation, and high-performance sports cars.

“This strategic deployment of capital for inorganic growth strengthens our product portfolio, will be immediately accretive to earnings upon closing, will create incremental value for shareholders, and preserves our strong balance sheet,” said Jonathan Collins, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Kamsickas added, “Oerlikon Drive Systems is a well-respected technology company that has provided exceptional product innovation and customer satisfaction for nearly a century. A great fit culturally, this investment will deliver significant long-term value by accelerating our commitment to vehicle electrification and strengthening the technology portfolio for each of our end markets while further expanding and balancing the manufacturing presence of our off-highway business in key geographical markets.”

This transaction complements Dana’s strategy for accelerating hybridisation and electrification and closely follows the company’s acquisition of TM4, which established Dana as the only supplier with full e-Propulsion design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities – offering electro-mechanical propulsion solutions to each of its end markets.