One Equity Partners Completes Majority Investment in Comau, Strengthening Robotics Leadership
One Equity Partners (OEP), a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has completed a majority investment in Comau S.p.A. (Comau), a prominent global leader in industrial automation and advanced robotics. As part of this strategic deal, Stellantis has transitioned into an active minority shareholder in Comau. With this investment, OEP is poised to guide Comau toward its next stage of growth while reinforcing its industry leadership.
Comau, headquartered in Turin, Italy, has long been a significant player in the industrial automation sector, developing cutting-edge robotics and automation solutions for various industries. The company has demonstrated consistent growth and innovation over more than 50 years, and the partnership with OEP and Stellantis positions it well to capitalize on the growing global demand for automation technologies.
Leadership Stability and Strategic Vision
As part of the investment, Comau’s Executive Chairman, Alessandro Nasi, and Chief Executive Officer, Pietro Gorlier, will continue to lead the company. This stability at the top is expected to ensure that Comau’s long-standing commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction remains at the forefront of its future growth strategy. Furthermore, the entire executive management team will retain their current positions, ensuring continuity and alignment as the company embarks on its next phase of development.
Ante Kusurin, Partner at One Equity Partners, highlighted Comau’s potential, noting, “Comau is a leading industrial automation company with significant growth potential and first-rate robotics technology. OEP is well-positioned to help drive Comau’s next phase of growth as an independent company, leveraging our industry expertise and operational playbook for carve-out transactions.”
Comau’s CEO, Pietro Gorlier, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation: “Comau has consistently renewed its innovation and business strategies, developing new technology solutions to respond to evolving market dynamics. This transaction marks a key milestone in Comau’s growth journey. The support of One Equity Partners will allow us to capitalize on the growing global demand for advanced automation, with Stellantis as an active minority shareholder. This arrangement ensures we maintain our deep-rooted Italian identity while strengthening our position as a global leader in industrial automation, expanding into even more sectors.”
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The deal underscores a shared vision for sustainable growth and value creation. With the support of OEP, Comau will have the resources to further its innovations, enhance its product offerings, and deepen its presence in the global market. Comau’s reputation as a leader in the automation and robotics industries will be bolstered by OEP’s expertise in driving operational efficiency and market expansion, particularly in carve-out transactions.
Stellantis Chairman John Elkann also expressed confidence in Comau’s future under the new ownership structure. “I want to express my gratitude to Comau’s employees for providing innovative products and services to all its customers,” Elkann remarked. “I am confident that Comau, under its new ownership, has the right leadership, strategy, and operational discipline to create sustainable, long-term value for all its stakeholders, from Italy to the world.”
Comau’s Global Footprint and Technological Expertise
Comau’s operational excellence is built on a solid foundation of technological expertise and an international presence. The company boasts a global network of 7 innovation centers and 12 manufacturing plants, spanning 12 countries, and employing approximately 3,700 people. This global footprint enables Comau to respond quickly to the demands of its diverse customer base and stay at the cutting edge of robotics and automation technology.
With decades of experience in delivering turnkey automation solutions for industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, Comau’s innovative products have helped shape the future of manufacturing. The company’s focus on high-tech robotics, automation, and digitalization has made it a trusted partner for businesses looking to streamline their operations and enhance their productivity.
As automation continues to transform industries worldwide, the demand for advanced solutions is expected to rise, providing ample growth opportunities for Comau. By working with One Equity Partners and maintaining Stellantis’ active involvement, Comau is well-positioned to lead the charge in meeting the increasing need for intelligent automation systems across various sectors.
A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability
Comau has long been dedicated to delivering innovative automation solutions that not only improve efficiency but also contribute to sustainability efforts. By leveraging state-of-the-art robotics, AI-driven systems, and advanced engineering, Comau is helping companies reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and enhance the sustainability of their operations. This commitment to sustainability aligns with global efforts to foster more responsible manufacturing practices and reduce the environmental impact of industrial production.
As the world shifts toward more sustainable and efficient production methods, Comau’s technologies will play a critical role in helping companies achieve their sustainability goals while optimizing their operations. The support from One Equity Partners will further enable Comau to expand its focus on sustainable innovation, with an eye on creating solutions that benefit both businesses and the environment.
A Strong Partnership for the Future
The strategic partnership between One Equity Partners, Stellantis, and Comau is built on a shared vision for growth, innovation, and long-term value creation. OEP’s experience in driving successful carve-out transactions, coupled with Comau’s established leadership in industrial automation, sets the stage for an exciting future for the company.
With Stellantis continuing to play a key role as a minority shareholder, Comau’s strong ties to the automotive industry will remain intact, while the company expands into new sectors and markets. This flexible ownership structure allows Comau to retain its autonomy while benefiting from the resources, expertise, and support of its new investors.
Looking ahead, Comau is poised to continue its legacy of leadership in industrial automation, driving advancements in robotics and automation systems that will shape the future of manufacturing. With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability, Comau is well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, building on its 50+ years of expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions for industries worldwide.
As the company embarks on this new chapter, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that its solutions continue to meet the evolving needs of the global market. With the support of One Equity Partners and Stellantis, Comau is ready to take its place at the forefront of the next wave of industrial transformation.
Through this partnership, Comau’s reach and capabilities are set to grow, cementing its position as a global leader in industrial automation and positioning the company for continued success in the years to come.