Pinsent Masons advises Japan's largest electric motor manufacturer on strategic expansion in Germany

Nidec Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of motors and transmissions, specializing in the design and manufacturing of electric motors, transmissions and other components for the automotive, robotics, household and industrial markets. Nidec Corporation’s subsidiary, Nidec-Shimpo, also specialises in transmissions. The products manufactured by Nidec are currently mainly sold in Japan, China and America. Nidec had a turnover of approximately EUR 11 billion in the last financial year.

Nidec Corporation, through its subsidiary Nidec-Shimpo GmbH, will acquire 70% of the shares in DESCH Antriebstechnik GmbH & Co. KG. DESCH achieved a turnover of approximately EUR 90 million in the last business year and employs around 400 personnel at its locations in Germany and China. Hendrik Desch and Olaf Desch will retain a 30% stake in DESCH and will continue to manage the business of DESCH. DESCH will continue its previous business strategy "DESCH Smart Drive Solution" with a view to driving continuous growth of the company. As a result of this acquisition, Nidec and DESCH will develop into providers of complete solutions in drive technology 4.0.

DESCH and Nidec have agreed to continue to invest intensively in the expansion of their production sites in Germany and China over the next few years.

The acquisition is advantageous for all parties involved - DESCH will gain better access to the markets in Asia, where Nidec has a very strong market position and Nidec will be able to leverage DESCH's strong presence in the European markets. The DESCH companies in North America are not involved in the transaction.

For Nidec, DESCH will take a leading position in the development of the European markets for mechatronic drive solutions and further develop solutions in the higher torque and power range.

Advisors Nidec: Eike Fietz (lead), Dr Florian Anselm, Leif Herzog, LL.M., Lucy Carter, Dr Alexander Karst, LL.M. (all Corporate and M&A), Dr Julia Traumann (Intellectual Property, Commercial), Lara-Christina Willems, Sarah Klachin, LL.M. (both Employment & Reward), Werner Geißelmeier (Tax), Dr Michael Reich (Competition), Dr Thomas Wölfl (Real Estate, Regulatory (Environmental).