SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA/FWB: S92) and Danfoss A/S plan to enter into a close strategic partnership for a step change in competitiveness. The two leading system technology specialists will take full advantage of economies of scale and joint development initiatives. In addition, Danfoss acquires 20% of SMA's outstanding shares and plans to sell its complete solar inverter business to SMA.
"The strategic alliance with Danfoss strengthens SMA's leading position in the global photovoltaic market. We are faced with a highly competitive market environment and increased price pressure. In this context, SMA will benefit from Danfoss' years of experience in automated drives. This market has been characterized by fierce competition for a long time. Accordingly, the strategy of the Danfoss group targets continuous cost improvements through global sourcing and cost down initiatives. By establishing a close cooperation there is significant potential to improve the cost position in both companies," says SMA CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon.
With the acquisition of Danfoss' solar inverter business, SMA will increase the attractiveness of its product portfolio. After the completion of the transaction SMA will launch new products for the fast growing market segments of mediumsized photovoltaic plants in Europe, China and the USA.
"With the strong cooperation between Danfoss, as a leading specialist in the field of drives, and SMA, with a unique positioning in the solar inverter market, both companies will create one of the world's largest converter alliances with a global presence. A shareholding of 20% in SMA is a bold statement and proves our continued dedication and confidence in the solar business. We are committed to drive innovation and competitiveness by integrating Danfoss know how from the drives technology to the photovoltaic inverter business. Danfoss will certainly benefit from economies of scale and the high growth rates of the solar industry," explains Niels B. Christiansen, President and CEO of Danfoss.
Danfoss acquires 6.94 million of SMA shares at a price of €43.57 per share from the SMA founders, their trusts and families. The cash consideration corresponds to a premium of 50% to the volume-weighted average share price over the last 60 days. The transaction volume amounts to €302,38 million. After completion of the transaction the freely tradable free float of the SMA share will be at 25.05%. The SMA founders, their trusts and families will hold 54.95% of the SMA shares after the transaction is completed. Danfoss will not buy or sell shares for a lock-up period of at least 2 years. The share purchase is subject to regulatory approval. Closing of the acquisition of shares and the cooperation contract is expected within Q3 2014.
Background information on the transaction is available at http://www.sma.de/....
About Danfoss
Danfoss is a global leader focused on energy-efficient solutions that save energy and costs, and reduce carbon emissions. The company's wide range of products and services are used in areas such as cooling food, air conditioning, heating buildings, controlling electric motors and powering mobile machinery. Danfoss Solar Inverters develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of grid-connected photovoltaic inverters for all PV applications, backed by some of the most extensive inverter testing facilities in the industry. Danfoss is also active in the field of wind power as well as district heating and cooling infrastructure for cities and urban communities. The Group employs around 22,500 employees and sells its products in more than 100 countries around the world. In 2012, Danfoss generated net sales of €4.56 billion.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the "Company") or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the "SMA Group") nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
"The strategic alliance with Danfoss strengthens SMA's leading position in the global photovoltaic market. We are faced with a highly competitive market environment and increased price pressure. In this context, SMA will benefit from Danfoss' years of experience in automated drives. This market has been characterized by fierce competition for a long time. Accordingly, the strategy of the Danfoss group targets continuous cost improvements through global sourcing and cost down initiatives. By establishing a close cooperation there is significant potential to improve the cost position in both companies," says SMA CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon.
With the acquisition of Danfoss' solar inverter business, SMA will increase the attractiveness of its product portfolio. After the completion of the transaction SMA will launch new products for the fast growing market segments of mediumsized photovoltaic plants in Europe, China and the USA.
"With the strong cooperation between Danfoss, as a leading specialist in the field of drives, and SMA, with a unique positioning in the solar inverter market, both companies will create one of the world's largest converter alliances with a global presence. A shareholding of 20% in SMA is a bold statement and proves our continued dedication and confidence in the solar business. We are committed to drive innovation and competitiveness by integrating Danfoss know how from the drives technology to the photovoltaic inverter business. Danfoss will certainly benefit from economies of scale and the high growth rates of the solar industry," explains Niels B. Christiansen, President and CEO of Danfoss.
Danfoss acquires 6.94 million of SMA shares at a price of €43.57 per share from the SMA founders, their trusts and families. The cash consideration corresponds to a premium of 50% to the volume-weighted average share price over the last 60 days. The transaction volume amounts to €302,38 million. After completion of the transaction the freely tradable free float of the SMA share will be at 25.05%. The SMA founders, their trusts and families will hold 54.95% of the SMA shares after the transaction is completed. Danfoss will not buy or sell shares for a lock-up period of at least 2 years. The share purchase is subject to regulatory approval. Closing of the acquisition of shares and the cooperation contract is expected within Q3 2014.
Background information on the transaction is available at http://www.sma.de/....
About Danfoss
Danfoss is a global leader focused on energy-efficient solutions that save energy and costs, and reduce carbon emissions. The company's wide range of products and services are used in areas such as cooling food, air conditioning, heating buildings, controlling electric motors and powering mobile machinery. Danfoss Solar Inverters develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of grid-connected photovoltaic inverters for all PV applications, backed by some of the most extensive inverter testing facilities in the industry. Danfoss is also active in the field of wind power as well as district heating and cooling infrastructure for cities and urban communities. The Group employs around 22,500 employees and sells its products in more than 100 countries around the world. In 2012, Danfoss generated net sales of €4.56 billion.
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the "Company") or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the "SMA Group") nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.
