In context
At the end of 2024, the industrial automation sector saw continued consolidation as private equity sought to unlock value in robotics and automation businesses carved out from larger industrial groups. Comau, a global player with deep roots in automotive manufacturing, was positioned for independent growth under new ownership.
What was reported
One Equity Partners (OEP), a middle-market private equity firm, completed a majority investment in Comau, a global technology company specializing in industrial automation and advanced robotics. Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers and Comau’s previous owner, becomes an active minority shareholder.
Comau’s executive chairman Alessandro Nasi and CEO Pietro Gorlier will continue to lead the company, with the executive management team retaining their positions. OEP partner Ante Kusurin highlighted Comau’s growth potential and first-rate robotics technology, noting OEP’s operational playbook for carve-out transactions.
Comau, headquartered in Turin, Italy, operates an international network of seven innovation centers and 12 manufacturing plants across 12 countries, employing 3,700 people. The company has over 50 years of experience in international markets.
Why it mattered
The transaction marked a significant milestone in Comau’s growth path, enabling it to capitalize on growing global demand for advanced automation as an independent company. With Stellantis as an active minority shareholder, Comau preserves its Italian identity while strengthening its position as a leading international player in industrial automation across multiple sectors.
“The support of One Equity Partners will allow us to capitalize on the growing global demand for advanced automation, with Stellantis as an active minority shareholder.”
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2024-12-31 · “One Equity Partners buys controlling stake in Comau”