The KION Group has signed an agreement with the Belgian automation specialist Egemin Group to purchase its Handling Automation division for around EUR72 million (USD80.6 million). The transaction is subject to a number of customary conditions and is expected to be closed in the course of the third quarter of 2015.

The purchase will extend KION’s expertise and capabilities in system solutions for intralogistics and automation, fields that are seeing increasingly strong demand.

Egemin’s Handling Automation division offers customised solutions for the automation of logistics in warehouses, distribution centres and factories. It delivers automated warehouse systems, automated guided vehicles and in-floor chain conveyors solutions. In fiscal year 2014, Egemin’s Handling Automation division generated approximately EUR76 million (USD85 million).

The group’s other divisions (Process Automation, Life Sciences, Infra Automation and Consulting & Services) are not part of the transaction and will continue their activities under a new brand name, to be disclosed shortly.

"By acquiring Egemin’s handling automation activities, the KION Group is strengthening its expertise and capabilities in the design and management of complex logistics automation projects for the future," says KION CEO Gordon Riske. "Automated materials handling solutions will play a crucial role in Industry 4.0 as they facilitate the vision of the smart warehouse and factory."

"The fast-growing market for automated logistics and material flow systems is another area where we want to become a leading player. Together, Egemin Automation and the KION Group have vast potential for innovation that will enable us to provide the best possible solutions for our customers."

Riske says the acquisition marks another milestone in the KION Group's implementation of its Strategy 2020.