• Bosch aims to expand its product portfolio by acquiring packaging and automation specialists based in Remshalden, Germany
• Paal: 2007 sales exceeding 26 million euros, some 200 associates
• Access to new sectors in the non-food segment

STUTTGART – Bosch's Packaging Technology Division plans to acquire Paal Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG, based in Remshalden near Stuttgart. The purchase agreement was signed on September 5, 2008. The parties agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. The transaction is subject to the approval of antitrust authorities.

Paal is a packaging and automation specialist engaged in the development, manufacture, and sale of lines for secondary and multiple unit packaging in­volving material like paper, solid fiber board, compact and corrugated board. The company, established in 1964, has a comprehensive range of products for worldwide distribution, especially to the food and cosmetics industries as well as manufacturers of technical products. In 2007 the company, with its around 200 associates, generated sales of more than 26 million euros.

In acquiring Paal, Bosch Packaging Technology seeks to strengthen its systems business and round off its product portfolio in secondary and multiple unit packaging. In the future, the division will be even better placed to offer its customers integrated, complete one-stop solutions and to meet the rising de­mand for a comprehensive range of products and services. "Paal has impres­sive systems competence which we intend to utilize for growth in this sector. This involves deriving benefits from the knowledge and expertise of Paal asso­ciates," says Friedbert Klefenz, president of the Bosch Packaging Technology division.

"Under the Bosch umbrella, we will gain access to new markets and technolo­gies. This will offer excellent prospects for driving our business forward and achieving optimum growth," says Claus Paal, executive director of Paal Ver­packungsmaschinen. New sales opportunities for Paal products will become available through Bosch's global distribution network. At the same time, the purchase will enable Bosch to establish business contacts with new sectors of the non-food segment.

Bosch  Packaging  Technology, headquartered in Waiblingen (Germany), is one of the leading suppliers for holistic systems for packaging and process tech­nology. In 15 countries worldwide the company develops, produces and dis­tributes modules and systems for the pharmaceutical, confectionery and cos­metics industries, as well as other food and non-food industries. In 2007, 4,460 associates achieved a turnover of approximately 650 million Euros/890 million USD. In the US Bosch Packaging Technology is represented with two production sites as well as several sales and service sites.

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The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its over 300 subsidiary and regional companies in around 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros on research and development, and applies for over 3000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.”

The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. 92% of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG; it carries out the entrepreneurial ownership functions. The remaining shares and voting rights are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

More information at www.bosch.com.