Schaffner Group makes acquisition in USA

The Schaffner Group has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire the dry-type transformers operations of American transformer manufacturer MTC Transformers, Inc. as of September 1, 2011. Under the transaction, Schaffner is acquiring MTC Transformer's Wytheville production site, Virginia (USA), and Roanoke based sales office, North Carolina (USA), as well as the well-established MTC Transfomers brand. The acquisition will strengthen the Schaffner Group's market position in North America and add a production site in the USA to its international manufacturing organization which already consists of production centers in China, Germany, Thailand and Hungary.
Founded in 1985 MTC Transformers, Inc. specializes in the development, manufacturing and maintenance of transformers and other power magnetics. Its Wytheville operations are focusing on dry-type transformers for medium-voltage applications in the rail technology, renewable energies and energy-efficient drive systems sectors. With around 70 employees the division estimates sales to be USD 16 million and an EBIT margin in the upper single digit range in 2011 fiscal year. The acquisition price is around USD 14 million.
"With the acquisition we are expanding our technological expertise in the area of Power Magnetics and our market presence in North America. This will strengthen Schaffner's position as a global partner in the international market for power electronics systems. With our broad range of products as well as development and production capacities around the globe, we are on course to meet our strategic goal of achieving a leading market position in the area of Power Magnetics by 2015," says Alexander Hagemann, Chief Executive Officer of the Schaffner Group. Tom Hough, Chief Executive Officer of MTC Transformers, states: "Our expertise will help Schaffner grow in the American market. Integration into the global Schaffner Group also opens up attractive opportunities for our customers and employees."