Siemens to acquire C & S Electric in India

The acquisition will address the rising demand for low-voltage power distribution in the country and also enable the creation of an export hub

In a step to meet the increasing demand for electrification across industry, infrastructure and buildings in India, Siemens Ltd. signed an agreement to acquire New Delhi-based C & S Electric Ltd. The acquisition of one of the leading providers of electrical and electronic equipment for infrastructure, power generation, transmission and distribution, will strengthen Siemens’ position as a key supplier of low-voltage power distribution and electrical installation technology in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Under the agreement, Siemens Ltd. will acquire approximately 99% of the equity share capital of C & S Electric Ltd. for around Rs. 2,100 crores. Closing of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. In the future, Siemens envisions this partnership to pave the way for the establishment of a design and manufacturing hub in India, supporting the export of electrification solutions to fast-developing markets around the world. The scope of the acquisition comprises the Indian operations of C & S Electric’s low-voltage switchgear components and panels, low and medium-voltage power busbars as well as protection and metering devices businesses.

Other businesses of the company such as medium-voltage switchgear and package sub-station, lighting, diesel generating sets, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) and the Etacom busbars business will be retained by the owners. C & S Electric has more than 50 years of experience in India and will continue to operate under its own brand name. The combination of the portfolios of the two companies will enhance Siemens’ position in the business, enabling it to better serve customers requiring electrification in areas including construction, industry, data centres, smart campuses and other city infrastructure.

Commenting on the acquisition, Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO (Smart Infrastructure), said: “Safe, intelligent and reliable electrification is the backbone of economic and societal development. Joining forces with C & S Electric allows us to bring a more comprehensive portfolio that addresses the needs of a very important market. Siemens is committed to significantly improving access to reliable and efficient power supply in India. This latest investment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our offering in high growth markets in Asia.”

Sunil Mathur, Managing Director and CEO, Siemens Ltd., said: “The addition of C & S Electric’s products, sales network, manufacturing units and a highly competent employee base will complement and strengthen the range of Siemens’ offering. This will bolster our portfolio not only in India, but also for export to competitive international markets.”

R N Khanna, Founder and Chairman, C & S Electric, said: “Having been a leading participant in the Indian switchgear market since 1966, we are now extremely delighted to be part of the Siemens family, an organisation that has pioneered and developed the switchgear market in India and globally. Our products, people and vision are perfectly synchronised to meet the growing requirements of the Indian and global markets.”