Benteler-SGL-Automotive-Composite GmbH & Co. KG, Paderborn, a joint venture between Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH, Paderborn, and the SGL Group, Wiesbaden, has acquired the Austrian company Composite Technology GmbH (FCT), Ried im Innkreis. The acquisition is subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. The purchase price is kept confidential under a non-disclosure agreement between both parties.
Benteler-SGL-Automotive-Composite GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 2007, develops, manufactures and markets composite components predominantly based on carbon fibers (CFRPs) for the automotive industry, e.g. B-pillars. The medium-term objective is to start up serial production of these products. Fischer Composite Technology GmbH is an established supplier of composite components for the automotive industry. The product portfolio includes exterior components such as sideblades, doors and visible carbon parts for small-series automotive production.
The objective of the acquisition is to expand the process and product portfolio as well as direct market access to new customer groups for composite components. The bundling of know how offers excellent growth opportunities in the future market for automotive lightweight construction. For this reason, there are plans to expand the production site in Austria.
There are currently approximately 90 employees, all of whom will be kept in employment. With the acquisition of Fischer Composite Technology GmbH, the Benteler-SGL joint venture is increasing its research and development expertise including the integration of pilot and series production capacities. This will accelerate the market establishment of these new materials. As a result, the core competencies of the SGL Group in material sciences and carbon-based semi-finished products and the market and engineering expertise of Benteler as a first tier supplier with a multi-years experience in the automotive sector will complement each other.
After the sale of FCT, the Fischer Group intends to focus on its core competence sporting goods (winter sports and functional sports clothing).