OREANDA-NEWS.  The Bosch Group is planning to acquire Bauer Optimierungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Munich, a software company that offers air-conditioning and ventilation control solutions primarily for the German market. An agreement to this effect was signed in March 2013. It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

 Bauer Optimierungstechnik currently employs 12 people and generated sales of 1.8 million euros in 2012. The company's expertise lies in the open- and closed-loop control of air-conditioning and ventilation systems in commercial buildings. For this purpose, Bauer Optimierungstechnik has developed its own control software which provides for a multi-directional air flow pattern, the result of which is uniform in-room air distribution as well as a controlled energy intake. Commenting on the advantages of this software, Michael Blichmann, the general manager of Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH, says: “Past experience has shown that this leads to average energy savings of more than 30 percent. At the same time, the system offers a higher level of comfort, since no unpleasant drafts are created.”

Europe-wide sales
The system is already in use at more than 1,000 commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. In Germany, the control software is used by a large number of leading producers of building automation systems. The license for the control algorithms is currently marketed in Germany and four other European countries (Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands), as well as in Australia.

 Albert Bauer, the managing director of Bauer Optimierungstechnik, sees Bosch's planned acquisition of the company as an important milestone: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to tap into additional market potential together with Bosch and to take our company forward to new successes.”

 Bauer Optimierungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG will be completely integrated into Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH, which was established in 2011. From its seat in Munich, it will function as a global competence center for air-conditioning and ventilation control. Headquartered in Ditzingen, Germany, Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH offers the owners of large building complexes a broad range of products and services relating to the efficient management and supply of energy, with the aim of lowering energy costs over the long term. The portfolio of products and services ranges from advisory services and optimization of existing facilities to the construction and operation of entire facilities and district heat networks.

Broad portfolio of products and services
“In addition to the expertise of our engineers, Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH draws its strength from our access to the knowledge and experience of several Bosch Group divisions,” Blichmann says. These include heating systems, photovoltaics, security systems, as well as software and systems technology. “Our company provides its customers a range of products and services that go far beyond what energy service providers can offer."