United Grinding Group has secured an agreement to acquire GF Machining Solutions, adding another high-visibility nameplate to its portfolio of manufacturing technologies. “Together, United Grinding and GFMS will join forces to become a global leader in ultra-precision machining,” the buyer stated.
According to its announcement, United Grinding’s purchase is valued between CHF 630 and 650 million ($720 million-$744 million.)
The buyer also indicated the combination will be completed in the first half of 2025 – pending regulatory approvals.
United Grinding is a portfolio of CNC machine building companies that together offer units for grinding, eroding, laser cutting, plus systems for measuring additive manufacturing. Its multiple brand names are Mägerle, Blohm, Jung, Studer, Schaudt, Mikrosa, Walter, EWAG, and IRPD.
The privately held group is majority-owned by Patinex, a Swiss holding company that is wholly owned by Martin and Rosmarie Ebner.
GF Machining Solutions is one of four vertical businesses comprising Georg Fischer AG. GFMS develops and supplies machines milling, eroding, laser texturing, laser micromachining, and additive manufacturing. It is widely recognized as a supplier of electric-discharge machines (EDM), which highlights its overall emphasis on systems for manufacturing high-precision parts, tools, and molds and dies.
GFMS also supplies spindles and technologies for machine automation and digitalization.
According to Georg Fischer, the sale is part of a reorganization effort that to concentrate its resources in the supply of “sustainable water and flow solutions, addressing mission-critical solutions for industrial flow processes, sustainable water management in urban areas and energy efficiency in buildings.”
Nearly a year ago GF acquired Uponor - now GF Building Flow Solutions - which together with the GF Piping Systems vertical represent the group’s future organizational strategy.
“As in the past, GF continues to adapt its portfolio in order to deliver superior value to all its stakeholders. The focus on Water and Flow Solutions reflects the great potential of these markets and the leadership position of GF thereof,” according to GF group chairman Yves Serra:
Next on the block may be GF Casting Solutions, a collection of 13 metalcasting operations in Germany, Austria, Romania, Switzerland, and China. The group stated that “all strategic options are being evaluated” for the foundry and diecasting organization.
