Jan 8 2008
Bosch has acquired the assets of RoboToolz Ltd., headquartered in Hong Kong. In purchasing this specialized leveling-laser business, Bosch is boosting its Power Tools division, and further expanding its activities in the globally dynamic measuring-tools segment. RoboToolz is a leading manufacturer of innovative leveling-laser products, with roughly 250 associates and four locations: two in China (Hong Kong and Dong Guan), and one each in the U.S. (Mountain View) and Germany (Munich).
The companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
"In acquiring RoboToolz, we are continuing our growth course in the promising segment of measuring tools," said Uwe Raschke, president of the Power Tools division. "This segment has huge global potential. We want to exploit it," Raschke continued. Intelligent measuring tools such as laser measuring devices, detection devices, and leveling lasers make it easier for professional users and do-it-yourselfers to plan and perform work. For example, gradients, angles, or distances can be measured precisely. Bosch is a leading supplier in the measuring-tools growth segment for do-it-yourselfers and professionals. As the innovation leader, Bosch offers professional users a product range that includes the world's smallest laser measuring device. Bosch was also the first company to successfully introduce a laser measuring device in the European DIY market.
With power tools, accessories, garden tools, and measuring technology, the Bosch Power Tools division in 2006 generated sales of 2.8 billion euros. Of this total, 90 percent was generated outside Germany. The division employs a global workforce of roughly 14,500 associates.
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 260,000 associates generated sales of 43.7 billion euros in fiscal 2006. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 300 subsidiary and regional companies in over 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spends more than three billion euros each year for research and development, and in 2006 applied for over 3,000 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. Ninety-two percent 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, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares and voting rights are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.