July 25, 2024 , Amsterdam – Stellantis N.V., one of the world’s largest automakers and mobility providers, and One Equity Partners (OEP), a middle-market private equity firm, today announced that OEP has signed a binding agreement to make a majority investment in Comau S.p.A. (Comau), a global technology company specializing in industrial automation and advanced robotics. The spinoff of Comau is part of the strategic agreement set during the merger between former FCA and Groupe PSA in January 2021 that formed Stellantis N.V. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
“Comau has positioned itself as a recognized player in the field of automation solutions over the past 50 years,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “This planned transaction is designed to help Comau achieve autonomy and further strengthen its success in support of all its stakeholders, specifically for their employees and customers. It also gives Stellantis the ability to focus on core business activities in Europe.”
“Comau is a leading-edge industrial automation company with first-rate robotics technology that has tremendous growth potential,” said Ante Kusurin, partner, One Equity Partners. “We have deep expertise in executing complex corporate carve-out transactions, and we believe we have the resources to help position Comau as a successful standalone business.”
“In its over 50 years of history, Comau has consistently demonstrated the ability to transform its business, technology and approach to innovation,” said Comau CEO Pietro Gorlier. “This operation is consistent with Comau’s strategic plan, which aims to expand its business beyond the automotive sector, targeting the global demand growth for industrial automation. This will also consolidate the company’s position as a strong international leader in its sector, maintaining solid Italian roots.”
Executive Chairman Alessandro Nasi and CEO Pietro Gorlier will retain their responsibilities, as will the executive team.
Comau has a local presence in all regions and a global network that is strengthened by its business and leadership continuity. As an autonomous company, Comau can independently identify and pursue new opportunities and investments.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024 and is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Comau
Comau, a Stellantis company, is a worldwide leader in delivering sustainable advanced automation solutions. With 50 years of experience and a global presence, Comau is helping companies of all sizes in almost any industry leverage the benefits of automation. Backed by a continuous commitment to designing and developing innovative and easy to use technologies, its portfolio includes products and systems for vehicle manufacturing, with a strong presence in e-Mobility, as well as advanced robotics and digital solutions to address rapidly growing markets in industrial sectors. The company’s offering also extends to project management and consultancy. Through the training activities organized by its Academy, Comau is committed to advancing the technical and managerial knowledge necessary to face the challenges related to automation and leverage the opportunities of a constantly changing marketplace. Headquartered in Turin, Italy, Comau has an international network of seven innovation centers and 12 manufacturing plants that span 12 countries and employ 3,700 people. Together with its wide network of distributors and partners, the company is able to respond quickly to the needs of its customers, no matter where they are located throughout the world. www.comau.com
Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.stellantis.com.
One Equity Partners
One Equity Partners (“OEP”) is a middle market private equity firm focused on the industrial, healthcare, and technology sectors in North America and Europe. The firm seeks to build market-leading companies by identifying and executing transformative business combinations. OEP is a trusted partner with a differentiated investment process, a broad and senior team, and an established track record generating long-term value for its partners. Since 2001, the firm has completed more than 400 transactions worldwide. OEP, founded in 2001, spun out of JP Morgan in 2015. The firm has offices in New York, Chicago, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. For more information, please visit www.oneequity.com.