EANS-Adhoc: ElringKlinger AG acquires majority interest in mold and tool manufacturer Hummel-Formen GmbH
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ad-hoc disclosure pursuant to section 15 of the WpHG transmitted by euro adhoc with the aim of a Europe-wide distribution. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12.09.2011 Dettingen/Erms (Germany), September 12, 2011 +++ ElringKlinger AG has acquired a 90% interest in the Hummel Group, based in Lenningen/Baden- Württemberg (Germany). The purchase agreements with the family that owns the group were signed on September 10. Alongside Hummel-Formen GmbH, the Hummel Group includes Hummel Kunststofftechnik GmbH and two subsidiaries in Romania. Specializing in the manufacture of large-scale molds for injection tools used in the production of plastic parts that are required primarily for engine-related applications, Hummel-Formen GmbH has established a unique selling proposition by combining tooling, production and process development within its portfolio. In acquiring a majority interest, ElringKlinger has reinforced its expertise with regard to tooling technology and expanded its knowledge in the field of lightweight engineering, particularly in terms of incorporating fiber-reinforced composites. The replacement of heavy metal parts with lightweight plastics is currently considered one of the key trends within the automotive industry when it comes to reducing fuel consumption and lowering CO2 emissions. Furthermore, ElringKlinger has secured major process patents that are currently being filed. Additional know-how within these areas will provide ElringKlinger with a significant competitive advantage both in terms of technology and cost structures. The transaction will be concluded subject to the usual proviso of official approval by the antitrust authorities. ElringKlinger anticipates that it will be in a position to close the takeover and include Hummel-Formen GmbH in the scope of consolidation of the ElringKlinger Group effective from October 1, 2011. In total, the Hummel Group employs 240 people in Germany and Romania. In fiscal 2011, the Hummel Group plans to generate sales of around EUR 20 million, with an operating margin towards the lower end of the double digit range. A third of its revenue originates from business with the ElringKlinger Group. The purchase price payable for the 90% interest is approximately EUR 13 million. Technological lead from tool technology in the area of lightweight design The majority takeover of Hummel-Formen GmbH will allow ElringKlinger to expand its expertise in injection molding, as well as giving the company access to process capabilities that will be available throughout the global Group. Hummel-Formen has filed a patent for the so-called "JointMelt method", as part of which the two production steps usually required can be combined within a single manufacturing process. The plastic components are joined directly within the injection mold by using the hot gas welding method. This eliminates one of the steps required as part of conventional methods, making the new process more cost-effective and delivering a significant improvement in component quality compared to standard methods. Furthermore, a new type of lightweight construction process was developed, in which so-called organo sheets, particularly light but extremely sturdy thermoplastic structural components with embedded fiber-reinforced composites, are processed and plastic elements for additional component functions are already injection molded in the tool. In the future, tools procured by the ElringKlinger Group from external sources will be increasingly provided by Hummel Formenbau. The additional purchasing volumes for tool steels, processing tools and external services are expected to provide further synergies. In fiscal 2010, the Plastic Housing Modules/Elastomer Technology division of the ElringKlinger Group generated revenues of EUR 161.5 million mainly from the sale of lightweight plastic cam covers and oil pans as well as transmission housing modules. Further inquiry note: ElringKlinger AG Investor Relations / Corporate Communications Stephan Haas Max-Eyth-Straße 2 72581 Dettingen Fon: +49 (0)7123-724-137 E-Mail:stephan.haas@elringklinger.com end of announcement euro adhoc -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- issuer: ElringKlinger AG Max-Eyth-Straße 2 D-72581 Dettingen/Erms phone: +49(0)7123 724-0 FAX: +49(0)7123-7249000 mail: info@elringklinger.com WWW: http://www.elringklinger.com sector: Automotive Equipment ISIN: DE0007856023 indexes: MDAX, CDAX, Classic All Share, Prime All Share stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin, Düsseldorf, München, regulated dealing: Stuttgart language: English
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