Schuler AG: Takeover of Chinese Press Manufacturer Yadon, Yangzhou
As the technology and world market leader in metal forming, Schuler supplies machines, equipment, tools, processing know-how and services for the complete metal processing industry. Schuler is the biggest press manufacturer worldwide and by far the leading player in the automotive industry. In 2014 Schuler generated a turnover of 1.18 billion €. With about 5,400 employees Schuler is presented in 40 countries. Schuler is part of the Austrian Andritz group.
In order to broaden its position in the strategic key market of China, Schuler began to search for takeover candidates in China. In 2014 Mr. Wei Ge (Partner and General Manager of FE) recommended Yangzhou based Yadon Group to Schuler. End of 2014 a first joint visit has taken place. Only 6 months later, in June 2015, the SPC has been signed in the presence of Mr. Wolfgang Leitner (CEO Andritz Group), Mr. Stefan Klebert (CEO Schuler AG) and Mr. Ge (FE). See Handelsblatt article (only in German available).
With a turnover of around 120 million €, Yadon belongs to the leading Chinese press manufacturers. Compared to Schuler the presses made by Yadon feature a lower press capacity and therefore different applications. Schuler CEO Stefan Klebert summarizes: “With the investment in Yadon we broaden the product range of Schuler and gain access to a huge group of Chinese customers, which we could not supply so far.”
Through its partner, Mr. Ge, FE has supported Schuler during the complete M&A process, incl. the following milestones:
„Due to his intercultural competence, his congenial personality and his linguistic skills Mr. Ge knows how to perceive neuralgic points – partly due to cultural aspects – in the communication and how to find solutions acceptable for both sides. Thereby Mr. Ge has contributed significantly to the successful closing of our strategic deal. We are grateful for his contribution.“
