Emerson has announced that it has acquired General Electric’s intelligent platforms business, which is expected to increase Emerson’s capabilities as a complete automation solutions provider across process, hybrid and discrete end markets.
Intelligent Platforms’ programmable logic controller (PLC) technologies will enable Emerson to provide its customers with broader control and management of their operations.
The acquisition also expands opportunities for Emerson in machine control and discrete applications across process industries and target hybrid markets, such as metals, mining, life sciences, food, beverage and packaging. By interfacing Intelligent Platforms’ PLC technology with Emerson’s leading distributed control systems, customers will be able to connect islands of automation within the plant to further enhance operational performance, safety and reliability.
Both Emerson and Intelligent Platforms are focused on leveraging automation technologies to drive digital transformation in their end markets. Intelligent Platforms recently developed a new family of Cloud-connected controllers and devices to enable smarter plants, a strong complement to Emerson’s focus on digital transformation and the Industrial Internet of Things through its Plantweb™ digital ecosystem.
Emerson’s Chairman and CEO David N. Farr said: “Adding GE’s Intelligent Platforms business makes Emerson an even stronger player in the automation space and expands our capabilities to serve the needs across process, hybrid and discrete markets.
“This is another important investment in our global portfolio of automation technologies, offering discrete and machine control capabilities that complement our process control expertise to provide better solutions to our customers.”
Intelligent Platforms is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with approximately 650 employees worldwide and 2017 sales of $210m. The business has a 25-year track record as an industrial automation innovator for machine control, industrial computing, input/output (I/O) and networking devices, project and integration services and other hardware/software solutions.
President and CEO of GE Power Russell Stokes said: “This transaction enables Intelligent Platforms to be best positioned to pursue its growth strategy, while accelerating our reinvestment in GE Power to develop the energy technologies of the future and provide the world with reliable, affordable electricity.”
Executive president of Emerson Automation Solutions Lal Karsanbhai said: “Intelligent Platforms brings a solid product portfolio to serve our target markets, along with a significant installed base.
“We are extremely pleased to have this unique opportunity to add a recognised discrete control capability to our growing portfolio of products and software applications that help our customers operate more safely and efficiently.”
The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2019, subject to regulatory approvals, GE’s consultation with employee representatives where required and other customary closing conditions.