Endress+Hauser to Acquire Analytik Jena
Analytik Jena CEO Klaus Berka and German federal state Thuringia, which own 10% and 18% of Analytik Jena shares, respectively, welcomed the announcement. Endress+Hauser became Analytik Jena’s largest shareholder in May, increasing its voting-rights shares to 22%, after initially investing in the company in 2012. Last month, Endress+Hauser acquired Raman spectroscopy technology (see IBO 8/31/13).
Reinach, Switzerland 9/27/13—Endress+Hauser, a supplier of industrial measurement and automation equipment, has announced that, following its purchase of 47% of the shares of publicly held German analytical instrument firm Analytik Jena, it is preparing an offer to shareholders to acquire the remaining shares. The company plans to offer €13.75 ($18.57 = €0.74 = $1) per share, which is 7.0% below the closing price on September 26. “We consider this to be a fair and just offer in light of the company’s present position and future prospects,” commented Endress+Hauser CFO Dr. Luc Schultheiss. Endress+Hauser plans to keep the company’s Jena, Germany, location. “We want Analytik Jena to remain an independent company,” stated Endress+Hauser CEO Klaus Endress. He also noted the potential use of laboratory technology for process applications. Klaus Berka will remain Analytik Jena CEO. In 2012, family-owned Endress+Hauser had revenues of €1.7 billion ($2.2 billion = €0.78 = $1).
