ABB, a pioneering technology leader, has announced plans to acquire the mission-critical communication arm of German group Keymile in a major boost to strengthen its communication networks portfolio.

Keymile is a leading manufacturer of mission-critical and broadband telecommunication solutions, with installations across 100 countries.

The acquisition will bring with it key products, software and service solutions, as well as research and development expertise, said a statement from ABB.

These will further enhance the Swiss group's industry-leading digital offering, ABB Ability, by adding extremely reliable communications technologies that are essential to maintain today’s dynamic and complex digital electrical grids, it said.

Claudio Facchin, president of power grids division, ABB, said: “The acquisition of Keymile’s mission-critical communication business will strengthen this position and extend our market reach in the industrial, transportation and infrastructure sectors.”

“It supports our growth plans and digitalisation push as we strengthen our position as the partner of choice in enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid,” he stated.

Keymile CEO Rolf Unterberger said: “We are very pleased that industry leader ABB will acquire our mission-critical communication networks business, which will enable the continued development of cutting-edge products, software and service solutions for grid operations."

The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2017.– TradeArabia News Service