“With PI, we’re opening a new chapter for HOERBIGER.”
With the planned acquisition of PI, HOERBIGER is sending a strong signal about its future. The largest acquisition in the company’s history is more than just a growth move – it’s a clear commitment to transforming HOERBIGER into a high-tech company. In this interview, Dr. Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, explains how relieved he is to finally talk openly about the acquisition, why PI is such an excellent strategic and cultural fit, and why continuing to invest in HOERBIGER’s core business remains essential.
Thorsten, PI will soon be joining HOERBIGER. How does that feel?
Honestly, it feels great. Mostly because we can finally share with all our colleagues what we’ve been working on intensively – and very quietly – for more than a year. PI, much like HOERBIGER, is a true in novation and technology leader.
They are number one in their markets and set benchmarks with performance-defining products and solutions. That fits perfectly with our own expectations for quality, reliability, and technological excellence.
Can you explain why PI is such a strong strategic fit for HOERBIGER?
PI pushes our transformation forward in several ways. First, PI is well positioned in high-growth markets like semiconductors, automation, robotics, aerospace, and satellite technology. These markets have tremendous growth potential – and HOERBIGER will benefit significantly from that momentum.
Second, PI lifts us technologically to the next level. HOERBIGER has traditionally been very strong in mechanical components. PI complements this with mechatronics – the combination of mechanics, sensors, electronics, and software into highly precise systems. This expands our capabilities and opens new opportunities.
What convinced PI to become part of HOERBIGER?
As a foundation-owned company with a long-term ownership structure, we were able to offer PI’s owners a clear value proposition: stability, reliability, and long-term entrepreneurial development across generations. That understanding was crucial for PI’s decision to join HOERBIGER while preserving its entrepreneurial heritage.
Why now?
PI has grown impressively over the past 55 years, but it has reached a point where it needs a partner for the next step – one with long-term ownership thinking, solid financial strength, global presence, operational excellence, and strong local teams. That is exactly what we bring to the table.
“PI is well positioned in high-growth markets like semiconductors, automation, robotics, aerospace, and satellite technology. These markets have tremendous growth potential – and HOERBIGER will benefit significantly from that momentum.”
HOERBIGER Holding AG
Recently, HOERBIGER has also divested some businesses. How does that fit together?
That’s part of active portfolio management. We regularly review whether we are still the best owner for a business. For Altronic and the Refrigeration Air Compression/Mobile Air Compression (RAC/MAC) segment (read more about this in the newsroom) , we concluded – after evaluating all options – that other owners could provide better conditions for their next stage of development. What matters most is that these businesses and their employees are now in good hands with strong partners.
The acquisition of PI is the largest in HOERBIGER’s history. Should we worry about the company’s financial stability?
No. The strong performance of our Divisions and Business Units in recent years has given us a very solid financial foundation. With profitable growth, we have the financial resources and strong credibility with lenders. That’s essential, because our top priority has always been – and will remain – the long-term stability of HOERBIGER.
So is the PI acquisition essentially the result of recent success?
Absolutely. But that also means we must not forget what made us strong: our core businesses. We need to continue investing in them, driving innovation, and expanding our market share. At the same time, we must be bold in seizing new opportunities and pushing our transformation forward. That’s how we shape our future and ensure HOERBIGER’s long-term stability and success.
