Kistler Group Acquires KT Automotive GmbH

The Kistler Group acquired KT Automotive GmbH based in Munich, Germany, in an all-stock transaction on 22 October 2009. This makes Kistler a leading provider of crash measurement systems.

KT Automotive GmbH develops, manufactures and sells data acquisition systems for crash tests. The company's market share of about 70 % makes it the world's leading provider of such solutions. Its spectrum of products is enhanced by matching services and support extending through to complete responsibility for test equipment operation.

KT Automotive GmbH was spun off from the Munich aerospace and technology company Kayser-Threde GmbH, a 100 % subsidiary of OHB Technology AG, in August 2008. Kayser-Threde is not just a leading provider of high-tech aerospace components. Over 30 years' practical experience has established its place as one of the traditional suppliers of crash measurement technology.

As emphasized by Rolf Sonderegger – CEO of the Kistler Group – the acquisition of KT Automotive significantly improves Kistler's competitive position in the crash measurement sector: "KT Automotive is one of our dependable long-term partners. Joining forces now allows us to control the entire crash test measurement chain from sensor through to data evaluation as a one stop shop for measuring systems." And in this context he points to the acquisition of MSC Automotive GmbH at the beginning of the year as a first step in the strategy of completing the crash measurement product portfolio.

For Gerhard Haas, who remains MD of KT Automotive, Kistler is plainly the partner of choice: "The combination of world-beating measurement/sensor technology and cutting-edge data acquisition systems offers customers impressive added value while further enhancing the quality of crash testing."

KT Automotive is being taken forward on its existing Munich site as a new Product Center of the Kistler Group. The established branches of KT Automotive in Shanghai and Detroit are also being retained.

Following on from the takeover of MSC Automotive GmbH at the beginning of January and Corrsys-Datron Sensorsysteme GmbH at the end of April, with the acquisition of KT Automotive Kistler becomes a leading provider of complete measurement solutions for the automotive industry and will make a great contribution to ongoing enhancement of vehicle safety. This third addition to the group within 10 months shows Kistler sticking to its strategy of strengthening its competitive position in vehicle safety through acquisition.

Kistler Group

In 2009 the Kistler Group looks back on fifty successful years that saw it develop from a 2-man operation to the market leader in dynamic measurement technology.

Kistler's core competence is the development, production and use of sensors for measuring pressure, force, torque and acceleration. Kistler's know-how and electronic systems can be used to prepare measuring signals for use in analyzing physical processes, controlling and optimizing industrial processes, improving product quality in manufacturing and improving performance in sports and rehabilitation.

Kistler offers a comprehensive range of sensors and systems for engine development, automotive engineering, plastics and metal processing, installation technology and biomechanics.

A worldwide sales presence in the form of 25 group companies and 30 distributors ensures customer proximity, application support on an individual level and short lead times.

With a staff of about 1 000, the Kistler Group is one of the world's leading providers of dynamic measuring instrumentation. The Kistler Group achieved turnover of 215 million Swiss Francs in the 2008 financial year.