In the aftermarket

Modern cars are practically heaps of electronic components, and various interfaces allow for diagnostic access of the subsystems. One of the consequences is that it has become increasingly difficult to conduct even small repairs yourself, another is a booming service tools market. A market everyone wants a share of.

The Bosch Automotive aftermarket division plans to acquire the Service Solutions of SPX Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, USA. An agreement to this effect was signed in New York City on January 23, 2012. SPX Service Solutions develops, manufactures and sells diagnostic and service tools, workshop equipment, and software for the global automotive aftermarket. For 2011, the business, which is based in Warren, USA, is expected to generate sales of approximately 920 million dollars (660 million euros). It employs about 2700 associates in 17 countries, primarily in the U.S., Germany, France, and China. This makes the planned acquisition the largest in the history of the Automotive Aftermarket division. The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is expected to close during the first half of 2012. The purchase price amounts to 1.15 billion dollars (roughly 883 million euros).

“Acquiring SPX Service Solutions will help make Bosch one of the leading providers of diagnostic solutions,” said Robert Hanser, president of the Automotive Aftermarket division. “The acquisition will allow us to considerably expand our market presence in the diagnostics business, particularly in North America. In addition, we will strengthen our position in Asia Pacific and Europe, especially in our diagnostics business with automakers.”

The product portfolio of SPX Service Solutions includes vehicle repair solutions, including diagnostic tools and software, as well as special repair service tools. In addition, SPX offers technical information, training programs, equipment for dealerships and repair shops, and services for automaker's service organizations. These products are also used in automakers' authorized dealerships and repair shops. This acquisition is supposed to make Bosch a comprehensive provider of solutions for such operations. The products and services of SPX Service Solutions can be found in many different applications, such as passenger cars, heavy-duty trucks, light commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery, and off-highway applications. 

David Kowalski, SPX segment president said, “We are proud that we transformed Service Solutions from a domestic hard tool manufacturer into a global supplier of diagnostic solutions, hard tools and repair information services. Bosch is dedicated to the automotive service sector and has strong relationships with vehicle original equipment manufacturers worldwide. We think Service Solutions is a very good strategic fit with Bosch.”

Comments

[Air Intake Kits]

Wow, this is good news. I can't wait to try my car out on them.