Hitachi to acquire robotic systems integrator JR Automation for $1.4 billion

Hitachi has entered into a definitive contract for the acquisition of the robotic system integrator business mainly operated by an American headquartered company, JR Automation. Hitachi will conduct the acquisition with Crestview Partners. Subject to the terms and conditions of the contract, Hitachi will acquire JR Automation, which builds production lines and logistics systems using industrial robots. As a result of this acquisition, Hitachi will enter the robotic systems integrator business in North America, which is a region that is expected to see a high rate of growth. The acquisition is expected to be executed by the end of 2019, subject to the satisfaction of certain regulatory and other customary closing conditions.