ABB (www.abb.com), the Zurich-based power and automation technology group, announced on Feb. 15 that it will acquire 100 percent of the shares in Jokab Safety International AB (www.jokabsafety.com) for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is expected to be completed in March, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Founded in Sweden in 1988, Jokab Safety develops products and solutions for machine safety. The company has about120 employees worldwide, with a presence in Sweden, the United States, Canada, Italy, China, France and the United Kingdom.
“This investment is fully in line with our strategy to broaden our offering through value-creating acquisitions,” said Tom Sjökvist, head of ABB’s Low Voltage Products division, under which Jokab Safety will reside. “Through this acquisition both ABB and Jokab will strengthen their total offering. Together, we can meet customers’ increasing requirements for low-voltage products and machine safety in a better way.”
With the acquisition, ABB’s North America operations will add about 50 new employees, bringing extensive machine safety expertise into the company.