Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory acted as exclusive financial advisor to KUKA on the sale of its robotic automation integration division KUKA Industries GmbH & Co. KG to Aretè Cocchi Technology and FAI Holding

Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory (“DCF”) acted as exclusive financial advisor to KUKA on the sale of its robotic automation integration division KUKA Industries GmbH & Co. KG, Obernburg (“KIO”) to Aretè Cocchi Technology, Italy, and FAI Holding, Switzerland. The transaction was closed on June 30, 2023.

About the transaction

DCF provided sell-side M&A lead advisory services to KUKA. The DCF team consisting of Reiner Schwenk (DCF Lead, MD), Claudius Thiell (MD) and Michael Caspers (D) successfully advised KUKA in a structured process on their sale of KIO to Italian technology company CT Pack, part of the Aretè Cocchi Technology Group (ACT) based in Italy, and FAI Holding AG (FAI), an investment company based in Switzerland, specialized in relaunching historical brands active in technology and automation.

KIO is an international niche system integrator and manufacturer of industrial robots and robot controllers focusing on highly customized automation solutions and special machinery for welding, cutting, casting and laser processing, as well as for automation in packaging, food processing and ancillary industries.

„With the new ownership we have found a better fit with the business model and a unique strategic perspective for KUKA Industries and its employees. This includes more independent sales structures and higher visibility in the market“, says KUKA CEO Peter Mohnen.

„With this acquisition, we will strengthen our packaging, automation and robotics business,“ says Gino Cocchi, Chairman of ACT. „We see great potential in the robotics integration know-how of KUKA Industries Obernburg for complementary markets of our existing activities, as we plan to expand the business supported by our international network in Europe, America and Asia.”

Luigi Maniglio, Senior Partner of FAI, adds: “We are proud of having favored the conclusion of such an important industrial transaction. We have conceived a long-term relaunch plan for KUKA Industries Obernburg, starting with reviving its former iconic brand ‘Reis Robotics’ and revitalizing products such as the ‘RobotStar’ control. We look forward to the unique combination with Aretè Cocchi Technologies, an Italian excellence in technology and automation. Reis Robotics is back and will return to be a reference in the industry.”

KUKA had acquired Reis Robotics in 2013 and changed its name to KUKA Industries GmbH & Co. KG in 2016. The parties have agreed not to disclose any terms and conditions of the transaction.

About the client – KUKA AG

KUKA is one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent, robot-based automation solutions with sales of around 4 billion euro and around 15,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA offers customers everything they need from a single source. From robots and cells to fully automated systems and their connectivity in markets such as automotive with a focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, e-commerce, retail and healthcare.

About the buyer – Aretè Cocchi Technology Group and FAI Holding AG

Aretè Cocchi Technology Group is an industrial group devoted to innovation, technology, and growth. Established in 2010 by Gino Cocchi, today A&CT consists of 13 companies that employ more than 550 people worldwide. In its 3 divisions Packaging & Automation, Airfield Technology and Science+ (Energy/Fusion Technology) the group aspires being among the global technology leaders in each segment.

FAI Holding AG is an investment company based in Switzerland, specialized in relaunching historical brands active in technology and automation

About Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory

As leading independent M&A advisor, we provide sell- and buy-side M&A lead advisory services to business owners, mid-market corporations and blue chip companies as well as to private equity firms leveraging on our global Deloitte organization. We offer advice and insight at every stage of a transaction – from consideration of strategic options to transaction execution and signing & closing – be it an owner’s succession, strategic partnership, acquisition or divestment, restructuring or fast track disposal. We pride ourselves in our independent advice to our clients.

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Deal contacts:

Reiner Schwenk, DCF Lead, MD – rschwenk@deloitte.de

Claudius Thiell, MD, Head of Industrials – cthiell@deloitte.de

Michael Caspers, Director, Industrial Technology – mcaspers@deloitte.de