In the first quarter of 2012/13, two divisions made acquisitions as part of the implementation of the Group’s internationalization strategy as set forth in “voestalpine 2020”:
The Special Steel Division acquired two production and service locations in China from the Rieckermann Group within the scope of an asset deal—Shanghai-based Rieckermann Steeltech Ltd. and P.M. Technology Ltd., based in Shenzhen. At the two locations, around 100 employees are handling pre-processing and heat treatment of special steel products. These acquisitions enable voestalpine to expand distribution in China on one hand, and, on the other, they provide the opportunity to establish and develop the segment of sophisticated special materials, which are used in oil and natural gas production, energy and power plant technology, and the aerospace industry, for local demand.
The Metal Engineering Division expanded its portfolio with regard to the welding technology segment by acquiring the Italian company Trafilerie di Citadella S.p.A/FILEUR, based in Citadella. Böhler Welding Holding GmbH took over 90% of the shares of this Italian company, which employs 60 people and generated annual revenue of EUR 13.7 million in 2012. Trafilerie di Citadella specializes in the production of seamless flux cored wire; due to its product characteristics, it is particularly suitable for welding high-strength, low-temperature, and heat-resistant steel.