MANNHEIM, Germany -- Pepperl+Fuchs acquires the proximity sensor business of Siemens, thus enlarging its product portfolio in the field of inductive proximity sensors and photoelectric sensors and at the same time strengthens its position in the market for ultrasonic sensor technology for the factory automation.On February 27, 2010, Pepperl+Fuchs, Mannheim, and the Siemens Division Industry Automation, Nuremberg, signed an agreement on the acquisition of Siemens' binary proximity sensors for factory automation business by Pepperl+Fuchs. To begin with. the parties agreed upon an integration period during which they prepare a transfer of the business to Pepperl+Fuchs. During this period Siemens, will continue to accept and execute all orders for proximity sensors. At the end of the integration period this responsibility devolves to Pepperl+Fuchs. This approach shall take into account the efforts of both parties to guarantee a delivery capacity without interruption during the integration. The transfer of the business to Pepperl+Fuchs is scheduled for midyear."We wish to benefit from the technological spectrum, the highly qualified personnel and the strong market position of Siemens, above all in the field of ultrasonic sensors, to become even more competitive and profitable," said Dr. Gunther Kegel, CEO of Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH."Pepperl+Fuchs as a worldwide operating specialist in the field of electronic sensors and components for the automation industry offers the best foundations for further developing our present business of binary production sensor technology," said Hans-Georg Kumpfmüller, CEO of the Business Unit Sensors and Communication within the Siemens Division Industry Automation.
