Pursuing its strategy of targeted acquisitions, Schneider Electric has decided to fully acquire MGE UPS Systems, in which it held a 32.3% interest at December 31, 2002.
MGE UPS Systems: an attractive partner for Schneider Electric
MGE UPS Systems is a world leader in uninterrupted power supply systems, the core of the secured power market.
Worth an estimated EUR 27 billion, this market is driven by the growing need for reliable, clean electricity and rising demand for controlling energy costs. Secured power represents a strategic growth avenue for Schneider Electric due to its long-term growth prospects (8% a year on average) and its potential in related services.
With 2,900 employees and sales near to EUR 500 million, MGE UPS Systems is a world leader in high-availability power solutions. It offers a full line up of products and services, as well as a global network of 37 subsidiaries and operations in more than 100 countries. MGE UPS Systems is also one of the most profitable companies in its industry, with an operating margin above 12%.
An extensive UPS products range
- Surge suppressors
Power protection for the individual and professional users
Applications: consumer electronics, PC/Mac, printers, scanners, other peripherals, home theater, HiFi, video, etc.
- Single phase UPSs
Uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs) for PC & server protection
Applications: stand-alone PCs, networked PCs, servers, networking equipment, telecom systems
Three phase systems
Enterprise protection systems
Applications: multiple servers, computer rooms, data centers, plant floors, broadcasting and telecom systems
- Static transfer switches
To provide critical loads with continuous power
Applications: enterprise networks, telecom networks, data centers
A key step in Schneider Electric's growth strategy
Commenting on the acquisition, Schneider Electric Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Henri Lachmann declared: "This move gives us a new growth platform at a time when power quality is becoming a critical issue. Following on Digital Electronics in industrial automation, T.A.C. in building automation, and Clipsal in ultraterminal distribution, this transaction fits in perfectly with our external growth strategy. These targeted acquisitions, which together represent nearly EUR 1.3 billion in sales, extend and expand Schneider Electric's portfolio of products and services."
Description of the transaction
The transaction should be completed in the first quarter of 2004, pending approval by anti-trust authorities, notably in the United States and Europe.
Given the assumption of EUR 283 million in debt (as of September 30, 2003) and Schneider Electric's existing interest in MGE UPS Systems, the total investment should amount to an enterprise value of around EUR 850 million.
In accordance with Schneider Electric's acquisition criteria and in light of expected synergies, the acquisition will be accretive as from the first year before amortisation of goodwill and neutral in the second year after amortisation of goodwill.