SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA/FWB: S92) and Danfoss A/S plan to enter into a close strategic partnership for a step change in competitiveness.s

Niestetal/Nordborg, February 26, 2014

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The two leading system technology specialists will take full advantage of economies of scale and joint development initiatives. In addition, Danfoss acquires 20% of SMA’s outstanding shares and plans to sell its complete solar inverter business to SMA.

“The strategic alliance with Danfoss strengthens SMA’s leading position in the global photovoltaic market. We are faced with a highly competitive market environment and increased price pressure. In this context, SMA will benefit from Danfoss’ years of experience in automated drives. This market has been characterized by fierce competition for a long time. Accordingly, the strategy of the Danfoss group targets continuous cost improvements through global sourcing and cost down initiatives. By establishing a close cooperation there is significant potential to improve the cost position in both companies,” says SMA CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon.

With the acquisition of Danfoss’ solar inverter business, SMA will increase the attractiveness of its product portfolio. After the completion of the transaction SMA will launch new products for the fast growing market segments of medium-sized photovoltaic plants in Europe, China and the USA.

“With the strong cooperation between Danfoss, as a leading specialist in the field of drives, and SMA, with a unique positioning in the solar inverter market, both companies will create one of the world’s largest converter alliances with a global presence. A shareholding of 20% in SMA is a bold statement and proves our continued dedication and confidence in the solar business. We are committed to drive innovation and competitiveness by integrating Danfoss know how from the drives technology to the photovoltaic inverter business. Danfoss will certainly benefit from economies of scale and the high growth rates of the solar industry,” explains Niels B. Christiansen, President and CEO of Danfoss.

Danfoss acquires 6.94 million of SMA shares at a price of €43.57 per share from the SMA founders, their trusts and families. The cash consideration corresponds to a premium of 50% to the volume-weighted average share price over the last 60 days. The transaction volume amounts to €302,38 million. After completion of the transaction the freely tradable free float of the SMA share will be at 25.05%. The SMA founders, their trusts and families will hold 54.95% of the SMA shares after the transaction is completed. Danfoss will not buy or sell shares for a lock-up period of at least 2 years. The share purchase is subject to regulatory approval. Closing of the acquisition of shares and the cooperation contract is expected within Q3 2014.

For background information on the transaction see below link.


About SMA
The SMA Group generated sales of more than €0.9 billion in 2013 and is the global market leader for solar inverters, a key component of all PV plants. As an energy management group, SMA offers innovative key technologies for future power supply structures. It is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented in 21 countries. The Group employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. SMA’s broad product portfolio includes a compatible inverter for every type of module on the market and for all plant sizes. The product range includes both inverters for grid-connected photovoltaic plants as well as off-grid and hybrid system technology. The product portfolio is supplemented by comprehensive services and operational management of utility-scale pv-plants. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and also in the TecDAX index.



About Danfoss
Danfoss is a global leader focused on energy-efficient solutions that save energy and costs, and reduce carbon emissions. The company’s wide range of products and services are used in areas such as cooling food, air conditioning, heating buildings, controlling electric motors and powering mobile machinery. Danfoss Solar Inverters develops and manufactures a comprehensive range of grid-connected photovoltaic inverters for all PV applications, backed by some of the most extensive inverter testing facilities in the industry. Danfoss is also active in the field of wind power as well as district heating and cooling infrastructure for cities and urban communities. The Group employs around 22,500 employees and sells its products in more than 100 countries around the world. In 2012, Danfoss generated net sales of €4.56 billion.