DLA Piper has advised ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, on its acquisition of Dynamotive Ltd.

ABB specialises in technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.

Coalville, UK–based Dynamotive designs, commissions and upgrades systems of drives, controls and motors for industrial and marine applications and automotive test rigs. Dynamotive has about 40 employees and is privately owned. Its owners will continue to work for ABB.

As a result of the acquisition, Dynamotive will be integrated into ABB’s Drives and Controls business unit enabling it to expand its service offering low and medium voltage drives and motors. ABB is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric motors and drives.

The DLA Piper team was led by partners Yunus Maka and Jonathan Watkins and supported by a cross-office team which included associates Jennifer Lee and Caroline Cockrell.

Yunus Maka commented: "We are very pleased to have advised our long-standing client ABB on this strategically important deal. The acquisition marks yet another milestone for ABB as it seeks to expand its business profile in the UK and beyond. We look forward to continuing supporting the ABB team on its global M&A programme."

Bobby Jacob, senior legal M&A counsel from ABB said: "This acquisition will be of great benefit to both ABB and Dynamotive allowing us to increase our sales of complete industrial motion packages. The team at DLA Piper was essential to ensure the transaction was completed in an efficient and timely manner so that the two businesses can begin working together as quickly as possible."