Hitachi buys ABB’s Power Grid business in $11bn deal
Hitachi will strengthen global Power Grids’ position, says ABB CEO Spiesshofer
ABB has sold its Power Grids business to Hitachi, “an expansion of its existing partnership with Hitachi”, for $11 billion.
In statement announcing the sale, ABB said: “In the fast-changing world of energy infrastructure, with a shifting customer landscape and the need for financing and increased government influence, ABB believes Hitachi is the best owner for Power Grids.”
“As a stable and long-term committed owner, with whom ABB has developed a strong business partnership since 2014, Hitachi will further strengthen the business, providing it with access to new and growing markets as well as financing. Hitachi will accelerate Power Grids to the next stage of its development, building on the solid foundation achieved under ABB’s previous ownership.”
Since 2014, Power Grids has been significantly improved under the ownership of ABB and it confirmed it will initially retain a 19.9% equity stake in the joint venture, “allowing a seamless transition.”
“ABB has been driving industrial change for more than a century as a global pioneering technology leader. As a result of our Next Level strategy, all of our businesses are today number 1 or 2 in their respective markets. To support our customers in a world of unprecedented technological change and digitalization, we must focus, simplify and shape our business for leadership. Today’s actions will create a new ABB, a leader focused in digital industries,” said Ulrich Spiesshofer, CEO, ABB.
“Power Grids will strengthen Hitachi as global leader in energy infrastructure and Hitachi will strengthen Power Grids’ position as a global leader in power grids. With this transaction, we are realizing the value we have built through the transformation of Power Grids over the last four years. Our shareholders will directly benefit through the return of the proceeds of the divestment. Building on our existing partnership announced in 2014, the initial joint venture will provide continuity for customers and our global team.”
