HMS Industrial Networks SLU announced Sept. 10 that it’s made a friendly, public takeover offer for Robot S.A., a Spanish building automation specialist with a strong presence in the hotel sector. The planned acquisition aims to broaden HMS’ building automation division and products, create hospitality-focused opportunities, and add Robot’s know-how, customer experience and product capabilities to the building automation division. Pending delisting requirements in Spain, the acquisition is expected to be completed by about Dec. 1.

Based in Palma de Mallorca, Robot has worked in building automation since 1983. The company’s 65 staffers develop and deploy building management systems (BMS) that help hotels and other large structures control energy resources, room comfort, lighting, water and common areas.

HMS reports that Robot’s products complement its building automation brand, Intesis, by adding guestroom management and broader building management capabilities for the hospitality market. Together, the two offerings can give hotels and system integrators a more complete solution, including communication gateways, HVAC integration, room control, energy optimization and management of common areas. Beyond Robot’s current markets, HMS sees the potential to use its global sales and support footprint to bring its hospitality solutions to more regions, including established HMS markets in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and the Middle East.

“Robot’s products and technology beautifully complement our current building automation products, and will provide an excellent platform for HMS to provide greater value to our customers in the hospitality sector,” says David Garces, VP of HMS’ building automation division. “We also see a great opportunity to leverage HMS global footprint to expand Robot’s offering, thereby accelerating growth for its well-established and proven products. Intesis and Robot together will provide a unique offering in the building automation vertical for our hospitality customers, and we can’t wait to welcome all Robot employees to the HMS family once the offer is formally settled.”

Bernat Bonnin, executive chairman of Robot, adds, “Over the years, Robot has developed a unique technology, a talented team and a strong market position. Together with HMS, a global leader in industrial communication and information solutions, we can accelerate growth, expand further internationally, and unlock new opportunities for employees that would be difficult to achieve alone. We believe HMS has presented a very strong offer for Robot’s shareholders and together with the aligned long-term vision of the two companies we believe this is the next right step to take for Robot.”