Automatic test equipment supplier Teradyne Acquires Universal Robots

Automatic test equipment supplier Teradyne Inc., of North Reading, Massachusetts, and the shareholders of Universal Robots have signed a definitive agreement under which Teradyne will acquire privately held Universal Robots, the Danish pioneer of collaborative robots, for $285 million net of cash acquired plus $65 million if certain performance targets are met extending through 2018.

The acquisition has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015 subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Universal Robots is a leading supplier of collaborative robots; low-cost, easy-to-deploy and simple-to -program robots that work side by side with production workers to improve quality and increase manufacturing efficiency. Collaborative robotics is a $100 million segment of the industrial robotics market growing at more than 50% per year.

“Universal Robots is the technology and sales leader in the fast growing collaborative robot market and we are excited to have them join Teradyne,” said Mark Jagiela, president and CEO of Teradyne. “This acquisition complements our system and wireless test businesses while adding a powerful, additional growth platform to Teradyne.”

Universal Robots achieved record revenue growth in 2014. Company revenue increased 70% from 2013 reaching more than $38 million with profit more than doubling from the prior period.

“The combination will boost our ability to innovate and recruit even more and thus will extend our lead within collaborative robotics and be of benefit to all our end-users and partners. At the same time, we are proud to add a brand new line of business to Teradyne,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of Universal Robots. “Our operations have been profitable since late 2010. Teradyne’s world-class engineering and support capabilities and strong financial position will help accelerate the growth of our collaborative robots in new and existing markets, especially in Asia where Teradyne holds a very strong position.”

Universal Robots achieved record revenue growth in 2014.

The Danish Growth Fund (Vækstfonden) has been the company’s main investor since 2008.

“Establishing Universal Robots as the game changer and market leader in the market for collaborative robots has been a great achievement, and this acquisition will give Universal Robots the best possible opportunity to further develop its leading position. It will strengthen Universal Robots’ position in Denmark and be a great benefit for the Danish high-tech industry going forward,” said Ulrik Jørring, vice chairman of the board of Universal Robots and senior vice president of the Danish Growth Fund.

“The secret behind the success of Universal Robots is a clear strategy based on these three key goals: focus, simplicity and tough execution. The founders and the management have worked incredibly hard to realize their vision of making collaborative robot technology available to all businesses,” said Clas Nylandsted, chairman of the board, Universal Robots. “I am very satisfied with Teradyne as the new owner of Universal Robots,” added Nylandsted. “Among all the suitors, we chose to seek a common future with the very right one.”