UK's Bystronic acquires majority of automation specialist Antil

28 Jun 2018

Deal represents Bystronic's second acquisition of an Italian manufacturer in the past three months, following TTM Laser.

The UK-based laser cutting and metal processing company Bystronic has announced the acquisition of the majority of the Italy-based robotics and automation specialist Antil, based in Milan.

Bystronic is acquiring 70 percent of the shares of Antil SpA. Financial terms were not disclosed but Bystronic commented, “This deal will provide our customers with access to an even broader range of technologies for automated sheet metal processing.” Antil was reported to have achieved a turnover of €18 million in 2017.

Bystronic explained the context of the acquisition with the satement: “Nowadays, success in the field of sheet metal processing means manufacturing products quickly, economically, and in consistently high quality. At the same time, the requirements with regard to simplifying complex processes and increasing overall efficiency are constantly growing.”

It added, “The automation of production processes represents a decisive step towards solving these requirements using technological solutions. By integrating flexible automation modules into the cutting and bending process chain, Bystronic is already supporting many users with a broad range of solutions.”

Expanded technologies and services

In order to serve growing customer demands in the field of automation even more comprehensively in the future, Bystronic is acquiring 70 percent of the shares of Antil S.p.A. This majority shareholding in the Italian specialist for automated sheet metal processing will enable Bystronic to expand its existing range of technologies and services in the field of automation.

With the incorporation of Antil, Bystronic says it can now offer complementary solutions for the loading and unloading of cutting systems, corresponding storage systems, and services.

Since 1989, with approximately 110 employees, Antil has specialized in the development of automation solutions for the sheet metal processing industry. Its portfolio includes loading and unloading systems for laser cutting and punching machines, automated sheet metal storage systems, robot-assisted bending solutions, and customer services.

Antil’s technologies and services are systematically oriented toward the requirements of its sheet metal processing customers. In 2017, the company achieved a turnover of approximately €18 million.

Takeover of TTM Laser

The acquisition of Antil follows its March 2018 announcement that Bystronic had expanded its partnership with the Italian specialist for laser-based tube and profile processing TTM Laser SpA, with the outright acquisition of that company.

Bystronic then stated that it was enhancing its range of technologies along the cutting, bending, and automation process chain. TTM Laser, headquartered in Cazzago San Martino, Brescia, is described as a “successful Italian technology company”.

TTM had been active on the market since 2001, specializing in the development of 2D and 3D laser systems for the cutting of tubes and profiles and for the welding of large-format metal sheets. It has state-of-the-art production facilities, and with its 40 employees, it achieved a turnover of €14 million in 2017.