Samsung SDI Co. Ltd. has agreed to acquire the battery pack business of Magna International, a leading global automotive supplier. The acquisition is expected to enhance Samsung SDI's capabilities in batteries for electric vehicles by combining the company's established leadership in battery cells and modules with Magna's expertise in battery packs. Magna's advanced technology and experience in providing global automakers with battery packs will also help Samsung SDI secure customers in the fast-growing automotive battery markets in Europe, North America and China.
Magna Steyr's product group battery systems is represented globally with locations in Austria and the USA. Their range of services for battery systems includes: 12V starter battery; 12V on board power support; 48V battery for micro and mild hybrid; High-performance battery for full hybrid application; High-performance battery for plug-in hybrid application; High-energy battery for electric vehicles; and Engineering and testing services for battery systems, components and materials.
"The acquisition is a key strategic step for Samsung SDI to strengthen the competitiveness of our automotive battery business,†said Namseong Cho, President and CEO of Samsung SDI. "It will provide new momentum to expand our business and customer base.â€
Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will acquire the entire battery pack business from Magna Steyr, an Austria-based operating unit of Magna International, including all 264 employees, production and development sites and existing contracts of the business. Financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first half of 2015, pending regulatory approvals.
