GEA acquires Swiss specialist in aseptic valves  

GEA Group AG (Düsseldorf, Germany; www.geagroup.com) has acquired Aseptomag (Kirchberg, Switzerland), one of the world’s leading suppliers of aseptic and hygienic valves, valve modules, and system solutions. Aseptomag had a workforce of 35 employees and generated revenue of around CHF19.5 million in the last fiscal year. Aseptomag’s customers are mostly dairy, beverage, and food companies, but also include the pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetic industries. The company will be integrated into the GEA Mechanical Equipment Segment. The transaction will be financed through GEA Group’s existing credit facilities and is still subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities. GEA expects to complete the acquisition in Q2 2012. This acquisition will help GEA expand its expertise in the fast-growing area of sterile and aseptic applications and increase its components offering for its core market – food. “Aseptomag is a strong addition to our existing product portfolio. Our worldwide sales network offers new market opportunities for Aseptomag products,” explaines Niels Graugaard, the member of the Executive Board of GEA Group AG who is responsible for the process technology sector.