Schneider Electric buys motor/drive products firm IMS

Schneider Electric has signed an agreement to acquire IMS, a U.S. company that designs and manufactures integrated motor and drive products and generated revenues around $20 million in 2007.

With this acquisition, Schneider Electric will further strengthen its presence in general motion control by providing an innovative solution for the fast-growing integrated motor and drive market. In addition to becoming leader on this market, Schneider Electric will also improve its customer support in the U.S. With its R&D and manufacturing capability, IMS will provide a quick and efficient response to U.S. market requirements as part of the group’s motion competency center created in 2005.

Michel Crochon, executive vice president of the automation business unit at Schneider Electric, said: “With this acquisition we will expand our product offering for OEM customers in the U.S. while providing increased technical support in motion applications.”

“Teaming up with Schneider Electric will give us faster access to the global market and allow us to expand and secure our growth internationally,” says David Coutu, CEO and founder of IMS, who will stay on board and lead the future expansion of IMS together with the Schneider Electric Motion team.