Lear to Acquire I.G. Bauerhin, a Global Leader in Seat Climate Control

Rhea-AI Summary

Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA) announced its definitive agreement to acquire I.G. Bauerhin for €140 million. This acquisition aims to enhance Lear's thermal comfort solutions, expanding its product capabilities into active cooling while complementing existing offerings. The transaction, set to close within six to nine months pending regulatory approvals, marks Lear's second acquisition in this domain. IGB, a leading provider of seat climate control with €205 million revenue in 2021, will allow Lear to grow its Seating business. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the commercialization of advanced seating systems.

Positive

• Acquisition of IGB enhances Lear's thermal comfort solutions, expanding into active cooling.
• IGB generated approximately €205 million in revenue in 2021, providing immediate revenue potential.
• Supports Lear's vertical integration strategy and enhances product capabilities.
• The deal complements previous acquisition of Kongsberg's Interior Comfort Systems, strengthening market position.

Negative

• None.

Acquisition to accelerate strategy in thermal comfort solutions

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire I.G. Bauerhin (IGB), a privately held supplier of automotive seat heating, ventilation, active cooling, steering wheel heating, seat sensors, and electronic control modules. 

Lear will acquire IGB for €140 million, on a cash- and debt-free basis. The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the next six to nine months. 

The transaction, Lear's second acquisition of a thermal comfort solutions company, will expand the Company's product capabilities into active cooling and complement its existing offerings. In February, Lear acquired substantially all of Kongsberg Automotive's Interior Comfort Systems business unit (Kongsberg), whose comfort seating solutions include seat massage and lumbar, as well as seat heat and ventilation.

"The acquisition of IGB furthers Lear's vertical integration strategy and advances our vision of being the leading provider of innovative thermal comfort solutions," said Ray Scott, Lear President and CEO. "Combining Lear's industry-leading seating expertise and Kongsberg's products and capabilities with IGB's cutting-edge technology will allow us to accelerate the commercialization of efficient, high-performance seating systems that are aligned with the key priorities of our OEM customers and consumers alike."

IGB, a global leader in seat climate control, is headquartered in Gruendau-Rothenbergen, Germany and has more than 4,000 employees at nine manufacturing plants in seven countries. A provider of thermal comfort products since 1976, IGB content can be found on a large range of vehicle types, including luxury, high-volume, niche and electric vehicles, produced by nearly all global automakers. IGB generated approximately €205 million in revenue in 2021.

"IGB is an established and well-respected premium thermal comfort solutions supplier," said Frank Orsini, Lear Executive Vice President and President, Seating. "Their capabilities will allow Lear to grow our Seating business and continue to offer superior in-vehicle experiences to our customers. We look forward to welcoming the IGB team to the Lear family."

"I am confident that our employees will thrive in Lear's thermal comfort solutions business and continue to drive growth and innovation," said Josef Hilmer, CEO of IGB. "Together, we can more efficiently and effectively achieve an optimized and integrated occupant comfort solution for our customers."

About Lear Corporation
Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Lear's diverse team of talented employees in 38 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better™ by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks 179 on the Fortune 500. Further information about Lear is available at lear.com or on Twitter @LearCorporation.

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SOURCE Lear Corporation

FAQ

What is Lear Corporation's acquisition of I.G. Bauerhin about?

Lear Corporation is acquiring I.G. Bauerhin for €140 million to enhance its thermal comfort solutions and expand into active cooling.

What are the expected benefits of the Lear and I.G. Bauerhin acquisition?

The acquisition is expected to improve product capabilities and accelerate commercialization of advanced seating systems.

When is Lear Corporation's acquisition of I.G. Bauerhin expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close within six to nine months, pending regulatory approvals.

What revenue did I.G. Bauerhin generate in 2021?

I.G. Bauerhin generated approximately €205 million in revenue in 2021.

How does the acquisition affect Lear Corporation's market position?

It supports Lear's vertical integration strategy and enhances its offerings in thermal comfort solutions.