Oerlikon Balzers takes over the German hartec Anlagenbau

Oerlikon Balzers will take over the hartec Group, which specializes in PVD coatings, from January 1, 2011 and thereby further expand its leading position in the global coatings market. "The acquisition of hartec, a pioneer in its field, means that we are expanding into environmentally friendly, decorative and functional coatings for plastics," said Dr. Hans Brändle, CEO of Oerlikon Balzers.

Oerlikon Balzers will take over hartec Anlagenbau, based in the German town of Stetten, on January 1, 2011. The future subsidiary, to be known as Oerlikon Balzers hartec GmbH, employs around 30 employees and will be acquired in its entirety. "We have been searching for a long time for a partner under whose roof we can continue to pursue our strategic goals. The Oerlikon Group was our preferred partner from the outset and we are proud that we are now to be a part of it," said the two current owners, Dipl. Ing. Carlos Ribeiro, and Dr. Rüdiger Schäfer. Both will continue to play an active role in Oerlikon Balzers hartec.

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"Our acquisition of hartec is a further expansion of our position in the area of component coatings and will open up further growth opportunities," said Dr. Hans Brändle, CEO of Oerlikon Balzers. Dr. Brändle anticipates that PVD coatings used in combination with appropriate lacquer technology will gradually replace galvanic coating processes. "PVD technology is more environmentally friendly and allows innovative new applications, particularly in the automotive sector," according to Dr. Brändle.

The Oerlikon Management demonstrates with this acquisition once more, that it is actively developing the Group in an organic manner as well as by specific changes to its portfolio. "We are again investing in sustainable growth markets and commercially viable future technologies. The acquisition of the hartec Group underscores our target oriented method to achieve long-term profitable growth. We are on a very good way to achieve the Group-wide turnaround," said Group CEO Dr. Michael Buscher.

More information: www.oerlikon.com, www.oerlikon.com/balzers

OC Oerlikon Balzers AG, Balzers, Liechtenstein

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