Mersen Acquires ASP, a Chinese Leader in Overvoltage Protection
The Group strengthens its position in the booming power quality segment
PARIS — Mersen, global expert in electrical specialties and graphite-based materials, announces the signing of an agreement to acquire ASP, a Chinese leader specialized in overvoltage protection (surge protection devices).
This deal is part of the strategy to expand the presence of Mersen's electrical segment in the overvoltage protection market. Mersen's goal is to achieve close to €40 million of sales in this segment by 2018. This deal follows the acquisition of a majority stake in Cirprotec (Spain) in February 2014, which provided the Group with a strong expertise in IEC standards. Mersen will now build on the recognized ASP brand in China and an efficient industrial platform to roll out across the Asian region which is currently adopting predominantly a technology already deployed in Europe.
ASP has been majority owned by a Taiwanese group (CIMIC) since 2009. The company has a sales network covering the whole China territory and a manufacturing facility in Guangzhou. This business will be integrated into Mersen's Electrical segment and will contribute some €6 million to the Group's annual sales. This deal is scheduled to be completed by September, following approval by the Chinese authorities.
Gilles Boisseau, Group Vice-President Electrical Protection, said: "This deal allows the Group to pursue its growth in the power quality and safety area, benefiting from this market’s attractive growth. I would like to extend a warm welcome to ASP employees and I am delighted they will be joining the Mersen teams based in China. Together, we will continue to offer our clients the best solutions tailored to their needs."
About Mersen
Mersen is a global expert in electrical specialties and graphite-based materials. Drawing on a century of experience—and an ongoing commitment to critical research in electrical safety— it provides industrial, commercial, and OEM customers with innovative products and unsurpassed technical support. Mersen Electrical Power provides a comprehensive line of current-limiting fuses (low voltage, general purpose, medium voltage, semiconductor, miniature and glass, and special purpose) and accessories, fuse blocks and holders, power distribution blocks, low voltage disconnect switches, surge protective devices, high power switches, heatsinks, laminated bus bars, and more.
For more information, call 978-462-6662 or visit ep.mersen.com.
PRESS CONTACT
Karen Schmuch
Marketing Communications Supervisor
karen.schmuch@mersen.com
978-465-4919
