SMT Scharf AG examines investment in electronics specialist

Hamm, March 27, 2019 – SMT Scharf AG (WKN 575198, ISIN DE0005751986) is at an advanced stage of negotiations regarding an investment in ser elektronik GmbH based in Möhnesee. With this investment, SMT Scharf is aiming to consistently pursue its corporate strategy and expand its portfolio to include valuable expertise in the electronics and controls area.

As a worldwide leading provider of transport solutions and logistics systems for underground mining that are customised to clients’ individual requirements, SMT Scharf has already been working together with the electronics specialist for over 20 years. ser elektronik develops custom-specific electronic controls and components. The systems – which are integrated into SMT Scharf’s transport solutions for coal and non-coal mining – are manufactured in-house. In 2018, ser elektronik achieved revenue of around EUR 3 million and EBIT of more than EUR 300 thousand.

Hans Joachim Theiss, CEO of SMT Scharf AG, comments on the planned acquisition: “We observe in the market that mine operators are working on innovative solutions to modernise their mines. Big Data has long since arrived in the mining industry, and automation and data management are becoming increasingly important. The planned acquisition of ser elektronik is intended to help strengthen our in-house expertise in this area and align our transport systems to the growing requirements of underground mining.”

One trend in underground mining is the integration of machines into mine operators’ networks. “Mining companies desire up-to-date information about drivers, oil levels and underground temperatures. Such direct data transfer will help improve maintenance and work processes in underground mining in the future,” notes Hans Joachim Theiss.

Company profile
The SMT Scharf Group develops, manufactures and services transportation equipment for underground mining as well as for tunnel construction. The main products are captivated railway systems that are deployed all over the world, primarily in hard coal mines, but also in mines for gold, platinum and other metals. They are needed to transport material and personnel with payloads of up to 48 tonnes and on gradients of up to 30 degrees. In addition, SMT Scharf supplies the mining sector with chairlifts. Through the newly acquired mining specialist RDH Mining Equipment, the company also offers rubber-wheeled diesel and electric vehicles for mining and tunnel construction. As a leading supplier of battery-operated vehicles harnessing lithium-iron technology for underground mining, RDH completes the portfolio of SMT Scharf with its varied product portfolio, ranging from front-end loaders and scissor lifts through to underground trucks. Overall, the SMT Scharf Group is active with subsidiaries in eight countries, as well as commercial agencies worldwide. SMT Scharf generates a large share of its revenue in growing foreign markets such as China, Russia, Poland and South Africa. SMT Scharf AG has been listed in the Prime Standard (Regulated Market) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2007.

 
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