Apr 21 2010
IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP), the world leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers, announced today the acquisition of privately-held, Germany-based Cosytronic KG (COSY), a specialist in the joining technology with an emphasis on engineering know-how in automated welding turnkey solutions.
The acquisition allows IPG to extend its product offerings to include a welding tool that integrates seamlessly with IPG's fiber laser.
COSY's core capabilities include the development, engineering and application of new, modern joining techniques and innovative welding tools for many material processing end-markets. The acquisition is expected to have no material effect on IPG's financial results in 2010. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"With the acquisition of Cosytronic, we plan to enhance IPG's product portfolio of laser welding tools with fiber lasers - a promising complementary market for us," said Dr. Valentin Gapontsev, IPG Photonics Chairman and CEO. "Combining our state-of-the-art fiber laser technology with COSY's proven and innovative laser welding technology opens exciting opportunities to build robust integrated robotic solutions for various automotive, sheet metal production and other material applications. Both companies have complementary expertise, strong market reputations and a passion for technological innovations. We look forward to integrating our similar entrepreneurial cultures and further strengthening our leadership position in fiber lasers and solutions."
"We are excited to join IPG Photonics," commented Mr. Heribert Heinz, founder and Managing Director of Cosytronic KG. "The combined company now has significantly more resources to target larger customers and new applications, and the ability to have stronger technical integration of the tool and the laser. IPG is a natural strategic fit for COSY and we believe this will benefit both companies' customers."
The latest commercial product from COSY is the fiber-based Laser-Seam-Stepper for laser welding applications. Laser welding can be applied in car body plants and in the production of sheet metal components with the following advantages over traditional resistance spot welding process:
- Higher processing speed and shorter production cycle times
- Increased component strength with longer seams that create higher torsion stiffness
- Total cost of ownership comparable to today's modern resistance welding systems
- Flexible welding head and greater ability to handle the processing materials and
- Continued focus on laser safety requirements without the need for an enclosed cell.
IPG was advised by he accounting firm Schäfer Zimmer Hardt and by the law firm Von Boetticher Hasse Lohmann. Cosytronic was advised by the management consulting company, MPower GmbH in Stuttgart, and their partners, the financial firm Marx & Jansen GmbH and by the law firm Hüttemann, Nickel & Hoepner.
Source: http://www.ipgphotonics.com/