One Equity Partners acquires majority stake in Comau S.p.A.

One Equity Partners (OEP), a middle market private equity firm, has successfully completed a majority investment in Comau S.p.A., an esteemed global technology company recognised for its expertise in industrial automation and advanced robotics. This strategic move places Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers and the former owner of Comau, as an active minority shareholder in the company.

The investment was announced alongside assurances that Comau’s current executive team, led by Executive Chairman Alessandro Nasi and Chief Executive Officer Pietro Gorlier, will remain in their positions to guide the company’s future growth. This continuity is seen as crucial in steering the firm’s ongoing development and innovation.

Ante Kusurin, a partner at One Equity Partners, stated, “Comau is a leading industrial automation company with significant growth potential and first-rate robotics technology. OEP is well-positioned to help drive Comau’s next phase of growth as an independent company utilizing our industry expertise and established operational playbook for carve-out transactions.” This perspective underlines the firm’s commitment to harnessing its operational knowledge for the benefit of Comau’s expansion.

The CEO of Comau, Pietro Gorlier, commented on the transaction, highlighting the company’s dedication to innovation. “Comau has consistently renewed its innovation and business strategies developing new technology solutions to respond to evolving market dynamics along its 50+ years of experience in international markets,” he expressed. Gorlier added that the conclusion of this investment represents a pivotal milestone in Comau’s growth journey, positioning the company to capitalise on the increasing global demand for advanced automation technologies. He noted the significance of Stellantis’s involvement as an active minority shareholder, observing, “This arrangement preserves our deep-rooted Italian identity while reaffirming Comau’s position as a leading international player in the industrial automation industry, as well as in an increasing number of different sectors.”

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann also acknowledged the contributions of Comau’s workforce, stating, “I want to express my gratitude to Comau’s employees for providing innovative products and services to all its customers.” He expressed confidence in the new ownership structure, asserting that Comau has the capabilities necessary to provide sustainable, long-term value for its stakeholders globally.

Founded in Turin, Italy, Comau operates through a vast international network that includes seven innovation centres and 12 manufacturing plants across 12 countries, employing roughly 3,700 individuals. The company’s longstanding history and commitment to technological advancement position it favourably within the rapidly evolving marketplace for industrial automation and robotics, characterised by a growing reliance on automation across various sectors.

Source: Noah Wire Services