HMS Industrial Networks has acquired IXXAT Automation - a leading supplier of communication technology for industrial automation, machine manufacturing and the automotive industry. IXXAT was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Weingarten, Germany.

"IXXAT?s hi-tech products and services are great supplements to HMS?s business," says Staffan Dahlstr?m, CEO at HMS Industrial Networks. "Their strong product offering and market position will strengthen our presence especially in Central Europe."

While IXXAT is known as a leading supplier of CAN-based as well as EtherCAT-, Powerlink and FlexRay- communication technology, HMS has a leading position in the Profibus/Profinet and DeviceNet/EtherNet/IP markets. Together, the two companies will have the most complete and competitive offer of communication technology for the automation markets.

IXXAT Automation has a turnover of Euro14 million and employs 85 people of whom 50 are product development engineers. IXXAT offers software and hardware solutions for CAN, a number of industrial Ethernet standards and IEEE 1588, FlexRay, and LIN. They also offer customised hardware components within embedded subsystems as well as complete embedded system solutions for a broad range of world-wide markets like industrial, medical, power generation and automotive.

With more than 25 years of experience, IXXAT is a well-known supplier of products and services within embedded systems and data communication for industrial automation and the automotive industry. The company also develops technology platforms within safety solutions, according to IEC 61508.

IXXAT has subsidiaries in the US and France and sells its products via distributors in 25 countries.

"We see great opportunities to further widen the market for our product offering by getting access to HMS's well-established global sales channels," says Christian Schlegel, Managing Director IXXAT Automation. "HMS?s hi-tech product platforms will also be great assets for our ongoing development projects and for new technologies."

HMS Industrial Networks is the leading independent supplier of products for industrial communication including remote management. HMS develops and manufactures solutions for connecting automation devices and systems to industrial networks under the Anybus? and Netbiter brands?.

Development and manufacturing take place at the headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden. Local sales and support are handled by branch offices in China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, UK, and USA.

IXXAT?s strong position on the important German market will widen the customer base of the HMS group and will allow cross-selling of the existing product lines. IXXAT holds a leading position in emerging functional Safety technology for automation including solutions for OpenSafety, CIP-Safety and Functional Safety over EtherCAT. In combination with HMS?s new Anybus Safety concept which is focused on PROFIsafe, the HMS group will have the most complete technology offer for functional Safety solutions.

With 50 new development engineers, HMS?s overall development resources will be strengthened both when it comes to headcount and experience. The acquisition also gives HMS the opportunity to market their products towards new segments such as medical equipment and the automotive industry.

HMS?s world-wide sales channels will give IXXAT access to a wider market. In addition, HMS?s experience within manufacturing and logistics will also provide opportunities for improved efficiency and profitability.

"Together IXXAT and HMS will become an industrial communication group with 350 employees and sales of more than 50 million Euro - a world market leader in our industry," concludes Dahlstr?m.