Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire capacitor film manufacturer Birkelbach Kondensatortechnik GmbH and certain related assets (“Birkelbach”) for approximately €17 million ($18.5 million).
Based in Erndtebrueck, Germany, Birkelbach is a manufacturer of metalized technical films for film capacitor dielectrics. The all-cash transaction is expected to close before December 31, 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
“This acquisition secures our metalized film material supply in order to meet the accelerating demand for high voltage high power film capacitors used for smart grid infrastructure projects. Birkelbach has been a key supplier to Vishay for many years and will provide us with the capacity to deliver excellent service and product reliability to our industrial grid customers. We intend to vertically integrate Birkelbach into our Capacitor segment, invest in the company’s metalizing equipment and ensure uninterrupted supply to their customers,” said Joel Smejkal, President and CEO.
“Vishay has a history of making vertical integration acquisitions. In this case acquiring Birkelbach ensures supply of critical material that is needed to capture an attractive growth opportunity for the company,” said Marc Zandman, Executive Chairman.
