Schuler AG, the market leader in forming equipment, is to take over the die construction specialist AWEBA and thus greatly expand its activities in this business field. Based in Aue, Germany, the AWEBA Group is one of the world’s leading full-service providers of dies and fixtures. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Schuler will acquire a 100 percent stake in AWEBA Werkzeugbau GmbH Aue.
The transaction is still subject to the approval of the relevant anti-trust authorities. AWEBA Werkzeugbau GmbH was previously held by private and institutional investors. The parties have agreed not to disclose any details about the purchase agreement.
AWEBA was founded in 1882 as “Bernhard Hiltmann Spezialfabrik für Schnitt und Stanzwerkzeug”. The company today supplies international customers in the automotive and electrical industries, as well as machine and plant manufacturers. The product portfolio includes forming, cutting, hydroforming, and die-casting dies, as well as fixtures and a comprehensive range of services.
In fiscal year 2015, the AWEBA Group generated sales revenue of around € 60 million.
Schuler CEO Stefan Klebert commented: “We are delighted to add a successfully managed company like AWEBA to our Group. With its high level of expertise in research and development and excellent engineering know-how, the company is a perfect fit for Schuler. The acquisition is part of our growth strategy. AWEBA complements our product portfolio in forming technology in line with market requirements and will expand and strengthen our existing activities in die construction.”
The AWEBA Group employs around 600 people, including almost 200 highly skilled engineers and toolmakers. The company owns 40 valuable patents in the field of die manufacturing.
AWEBA CEO Udo Binder stated: “Becoming a member of the Schuler Group opens up tremendous opportunities for the further expansion of AWEBA. Schuler’s global market standing will enable us to quickly grow our international presence and enhance our profile as a global system supplier. This gives AWEBA growth opportunities which would not have been achievable without Schuler.”
The AWEBA takeover is Schuler’s second major acquisition in the last twelve months. Last year, the company acquired a majority stake in the Chinese press manufacturer Yadon with annual sales of around € 110 million.
Source: Financial Post 
