news, people, new vacuum pumps, mergers and acquisition
Precise & cost-efficient UHV/XHV gauge to 5.10E-12 mbar Jena, Germany - Nov. 21, 2012 VACOM's recently developed BARION® XHV gauge is the optimum hot cathode total pressure gauge for vacuum applications with pressures below 10-9 mbar. Problem: Known limitations of conventional Bayard-Alpert (BA) gauges for reliable UHV measurements include rather high X-ray limits (causing high uncertainty and low reproducibility in UHV), high heat input due to filament heating of 15 W or more, and large systematic errors of nude BA gauges because their sensitivity depends on the chamber geometry. Solution: These problems are solved with VACOM's new BARION® XHV hot cathode gauge. The sensor builds on the proven Bayard-Alpert design and adds an innovative residual current compensation directly in the sensor head (patent pending). This ensures a very low X-ray limit and improves the measurement quality in UHV dramatically while at the same time the technical complexity is kept down. BARION® XHV, the novel BA gauge with residual current compensation, offers a unique combination of features: - Extremely low X-ray limit up to 10-12 mbar - Extremely wide measurement range 5.10-12 to 10-2 mbar - Best possible reproducibility and comparability of measurement results - Very low heat input (less than 6 W) - Fast response to pressure changes (100 ms) - Very reasonable costs VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH - www.vacom-vacuum.com - Gabelsbergerstraße 9, 07749 Jena, Germany email: info@vacom.de, Tel. +49 (0)3641 4275-0 Michael Larsen named President and CEO of Gardner Denver Wayne, PA – November 19, 2012 Gardner Denver, Inc. (NYSE: GDI) today announced that its board of directors has unanimously appointed Michael M. Larsen as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Larsen had served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Gardner Denver since 2010 and as Interim Chief Executive Officer since July 2012. Mr. Larsen was also appointed to the Gardner Denver board of directors, effective immediately. Mr. Larsen was appointed to the class of directors whose term of office expires at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. With the addition of Mr. Larsen, Gardner Denver's board now consists of nine directors, eight of whom are independent. "After a thorough search, we are pleased to announce Michael's appointment as President and CEO on a permanent basis," said Diane Schumacher, independent Chairperson of the Board. "This appointment reflects the unanimous recognition by our board of the importance of Michael's numerous contributions, including serving as Interim CEO since July and as CFO since 2010. Michael has been intimately involved in developing and executing Gardner Denver's strategy for profitable growth and has led Gardner Denver's strong performance in a challenging environment. Under his leadership, Gardner Denver has improved productivity and reduced structural costs and remains focused on these efforts as evidenced by the recently announced restructuring of the Company's European operations. Michael's knowledge of our company and industry will be a valuable asset as we continue to execute on our strategy and work to enhance value for all Gardner Denver shareholders." Ms. Schumacher continued, "The Gardner Denver board, together with its management team and the Company's financial advisor, continue to explore strategic alternatives for the Company, including enhancing the Company's existing strategic plan or a possible sale or merger of the Company. The board remains committed to this process, and we intend to thoughtfully and carefully evaluate options available to the Company in order to enhance shareholder value." The Company stated that no decision has been made and that there can be no assurance that the board's exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction being entered into or consummated. Gardner Denver does not intend to discuss or disclose developments with respect to this process until the board has approved a definitive course of action. Download (pdf): Michael Larsen named President and CEO of Gardner Denver www.gardnerdenver.com Gardner Denver Confirms Exploration of Strategic Alternatives to Enhance Shareholder Value Oct 25, 2012 Gardner Denver, Inc. (NYSE: GDI) today confirmed that its Board of Directors, working together with its management team and the Company's financial advisor, Goldman, Sachs & Co., are exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value. These alternatives could include, among other things, enhancing the Company's existing strategic plan or a possible sale or merger of the Company. The Company stated that no decision has been made and that there can be no assurance that the Board's exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any transaction being entered into or consummated. Gardner Denver does not intend to discuss or disclose developments with respect to this process until the Board has approved a definitive course of action. Download (pdf): Gardner Denver Confirms Exploration of Strategic Alternatives to Enhance Shareholder Value Corporate Profile: Gardner Denver, Inc., with 2011 revenues of approximately $2.4 billion, is a leading worldwide manufacturer of highly engineered products, including compressors, liquid ring pumps and blowers for various industrial, medical, environmental, transportation and process applications, pumps used in the petroleum and industrial market segments and other fluid transfer equipment, such as loading arms and dry break couplers, serving chemical, petroleum and food industries. Gardner Denver's news releases are available by visiting the Investors section on the Company's website (www.GardnerDenver.com). www.gardnerdenver.com MAGNA has signed an agreement to acquire ixetic Aurora, Ontario, Canada - October 1, 2012, Magna International Inc. (TSX: MG; NYSE: MGA) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire ixetic Verwaltungs GmbH (“ixetic”), a manufacturer of automotive vacuum, engine and transmission pumps with two manufacturing facilities in Germany, and one in each of Bulgaria and China. ixetic had full year 2011 total sales of approximately €300 million. “ixetic’s technologies, footprint and diverse customer base make it an excellent fit with our current capabilities in engine and transmission pumps” stated Don Walker, Magna’s Chief Executive Officer. “Together, our global reach and capabilities position us to support our combined customers and their desire for more efficient powertrain solutions.” The purchase price payable for 100% of the outstanding shares of ixetic, on a cash-free and debt-free basis, is approximately €308 million, including the effect of the estimated closing adjustments. This transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012, subject to obtaining European anti-trust approval. In a separate transaction, Magna, through one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, has signed an agreement with its joint venture partner to purchase the remaining 50% interest in STT Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of transmission and engine related oil pumps serving the North American automotive market. This transaction is expected to close in October, 2012. “With these transactions, Magna’s capabilities in this product area will be strengthened and its position as a leading automotive pump supplier capable of satisfying the global requirements of OEMs will immediately be enhanced,” said Don Walker. Download (pdf): MAGNA has signed an agreement to acquire ixetic NASH 2BM1: New model range of magnetic drive liquid ring pumps Nuremberg, Juli 13, 2012 Introducing a new model range, the NASH 2BM1, Gardner Denver Nash has extended its offerings in the market for liquid ring pumps: this pump series features magnetic drives and was developed to address the wide-ranging demands of the process industry. The NASH 2BM1 series with magnetic drives was unveiled for the first time at ACHEMA 2012. Based on the reliable NASH 2BE1 series, this pump series is designed to handle volume flow rates of between 125 and 3150 m³/h. They achieve a vacuum of up to 33 mbar absolute and can also be used as compressors in the low pressure range. In terms of the pump’s external dimensions, the NASH 2BM1 series is identical to the basic NASH 2BE1 model, with only a slight dimensional difference on the drive side due to the magnetic coupling. Nash offers a total of nine different 2BM pump sizes, all of which can be supplied in either stainless steel or cast iron. The magnetic coupling offers the benefit of a hermetic seal, separating the pump's inner working space from atmospheric conditions and eliminating any possibility of leakage. It is this seal which allows the pump to operate safely in challenging applications, such as processes that are required to meet stringent environmental compatibility standards. Certifications of compliance with all ATEX categories are available for the new NASH 2BM1. Along with the safety aspect, the NASH 2BM1 pumps offer interesting savings possibilities for new applications due to their operating economy: the pumps are sealed purely through the use of static seals which, unlike conventional rotating seal pumps, are almost wear-free. Each pump's operating fluid is used for the lubrication and cooling of the friction bearings and magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for additional lubrication. In many applications, the magnetic coupling also offers an economical alternative to double-acting mechanical seals. Thanks to the well-proven hydraulic system and a reliable magnetic drive, the NASH 2BM1 series offers well-engineered, dependable and efficient pumps suitable for a wide range of demanding applications. Download (pdf): NASH 2BM1: New model range of magnetic drive liquid ring pumps Pompetravaini S.p.A. announces agreement to acquire 80% of NSB Gas Processing AG, Basel, Switzerland Castano Primo, Italy, June 15, 2012 Pompetravaini's Pompetravaini announces that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with the holders of 80 percent of the outstanding shares of NSB Gas Processing AG (“NSB”), a market leading European manufacturer of API liquid ring compressors and liquid ring vacuum pumps and associated systems. NSB is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and has annual revenues of approximately CHF 10 million (8.3 million Euro). NSB products are used in a wide variety of end markets where Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and Chemical are the most important. Offices and Factory are located in two separate buildings in the city of Basel, Switzerland. NSB delivers its products worldwide to most famous companies in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical and Chemical sectors. “NSB is a natural complement to the Pompetravaini products range giving additional quality and competence to the worldwide Customers”, commented Carlo Travaini, President of Pompetravaini S.p.A. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2012. Pompetravaini is over 80 years old family owned business that is now at the third generation. Pompetravaini is a manufacturer of engineered products, including centrifugal pumps, liquid ring pumps and compressors for various industrial, chemical, petrochemical, plastic, environmental and food industries. news releases are available by visiting the news section on the Company's website: www.pompetravaini.it Gardner Denver Nash Opens a New Headquarters and North American Operations Facility Bentleyville, PA - June 2012 Gardner Denver Nash has opened a new Headquarters and North American Operations Facility in Pennsylvania. Located near Bentleyville on I-70, about 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh, the facility was conceived with world-class Lean manufacturing and material flow techniques. The new 100,500 sq. ft. facility relocates the headquarters from Trumbull, Connecticut, and replaces the Nash manufacturing facility in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. The focus of this plant will be administration, engineered-to-order vacuum and compressed gas packages and the manufacture of steam jet ejectors. In addition, the Nash Distribution Center in St. Peters, Missouri, will be relocated to Bentleyville. You can continue to count on Nash for quality products and service at: Gardner Denver Nash - Alta Vista Business Park, 200 Simko Boulevard, Charleroi, PA 15022 Tel. 724-239-1500 Graham Corporation - Q4 2012 and FY 2012 Financial Results Batavia, NY - June 1, 2012 Download (pdf): Graham Corporation - Q4 2012 and FY 2012 Financial Results Edwards Group Limited Announces First Quarter 2012 Results Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom — May 29, 2012 — Edwards Group Limited (NASDAQ:EVAC) (“Edwards” or the “Company”) announced results of its operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are off to a very good start in 2012, with the Semiconductor business in particular enjoying notable strength in the first quarter, and an improvement in our revenue and margins over the fourth quarter of 2011.” Mr. Taylor continued “During the last quarter we neared completion of our transformational restructuring program by installing the final set of new machine tools at our new South Korean facility which was opened in May 2011. Our record of innovation was recently recognized by the winning of a Queens Award for Enterprise in 2012 for our nEXT turbomolecular pump. Finally, we were delighted to have completed our IPO on May 16, 2012, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s history.” On a sequential quarterly basis, revenue rose 3.5% to £161.1 m illion (Q4 2011: £155.6 million). Net income increased 125% to £13.3 million, or 13.25 pence per share (Q4 2011: £5.9 million, or 5.88 pence per share). Adjusted net income rose 3.5% to £14.7 million, or 14.65 pence per share (Q4 2011: £14.2 million, or 14.15 pence per share). Adjusted EBITDA(3) rose 15.1% to £32.0 million or 19.9% of revenue (Q4 2011: £27.8 million or 17.9% of revenue). Gross margin rose 4.4 percentage points to 36.3%. download: complete report: Edwards First Quarter 2012 Results Additional Quarterly Financial Information Cost of sales for the first quarter was £102.7 million, a decrease of 3.5% compared to the year ago period, reflecting lower revenues. Gross profit margin of 36.3% of revenues decreased 4.4 percentage points due to lower volume, less favorable business mix, together with inefficiencies incurred during the double-running of UK and South Korean plants in early 2012 while manufacturing operations were being relocated. Sales, general and administrative expenses decreased by 5.7% to £24.9 million, primarily due to lower incentive compensation expense. Total research and development spending equaled £7.3 million, or 4.5% of revenue, and rose 15.9% over the year ago period, reflecting increased investment in new product development. Restructuring and transaction costs declined by £5.8 million to £3.2 million as the relocation of the Company’s manufacturing plants neared completion. The Company’s ending cash balance at March 31, 2012 was £93.2 million. During the first quarter, the Company generated cash of £17.9 million from operations. Management operating cash flow was £18.0 million in the first quarter of 2012, unchanged from the year ago period. Cash used in investing activities totaled £6.5 million, a decrease of £11.8 million due to the completion of new plants in the Czech Republic and South Korea as part of the restructuring program. The Company’s indebtedness at March 31, 2012 was £443.0 million. The Company’s net debt was £349.8 million resulting in a net leverage ratio of 2.6x. Business Developments in Q1 2012 Edwards continued its successful rollout of new products and increasing investment and launched the next generation of nXDS scroll pumps with advanced scroll design, tip-seal technology, and intelligent drive and control which gives exceptional performance in scientific, research and development applications and sets a high standard for dry pumping in the industry. The Company also launched the GXS450 and GXS750 dry pumps for applications that require rapid pumping of large gas volumes, such as metallurgy processes, glass coating, solar coating, LED manufacture and load—lock applications for vacuum chamber evacuation. Edwards established a new service centre in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, near Shenzhen. The new facility will allow Edwards to enhance its customer support and expand its service footprint throughout South China and will play a vital role in servicing Edwards’ industrial products range. Developments Since end of Quarter On April 5, 2012 Edwards undertook a corporate reorganization to facilitate the issuance of American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on NASDAQ as part of its initial public offering described below. The reorganization has not affected our operations, which we will continue to conduct through our operating subsidiaries. On May 3, 2012, the Company opened its new $3.5 million North American headquarters in Sanborn, NY in Niagara County. The new 64,000 square foot facility is fully operational and employs 150 people in production, engineering, customer care, administration, marketing, and distribution services roles. On May 10, 2012, the Company announced the pricing of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 12,500,000 ADSs at a price to the public of $8.00 per ADS. The Company's ADSs began trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol EVAC on May 11, 2012 and the IPO closed on May 16, 2012. The net primary proceeds from the offering of $87.1 million (£53.9 million) were used to repay a tranche of debt under the First Lien Credit Agreement. On May 18, 2012, Moody's Investors Service upgraded each of the corporate family rating (CFR) and the probability of default rating (PDR) of the Edwards Group Limited to B1 from B2, following the completion of the IPO and use of proceeds to pay down debt. Moody’s also upgraded the ratings on the Group’s facilities and indicated that their outlook on Edwards remained stable. Company Earnings Conference Call The Company priced its IPO on May 10, 2012 and has determined not to schedule a conference call until after the 25 day post-IPO prospectus delivery period. The Company will therefore conduct a conference call on June 7, 2012 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time to discuss the financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2012, and will answer questions and provide additional information. The U.S. dial in number is 1-866-926-5708 and the non-U.S. dial in number is +44 (0) 1452 560 304. The passcode is 82823978. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on the investor relations page of the Company’s website at http://investors.edwardsvacuum.com/. For those unable to participate in the conference call, a replay will be available for one week following the call. To access the replay, the U.S. dial in number is 1-866-247-4222 and the non-U.S. dial in number is +44 (0) 1452 55 00 00. The replay passcode is 82823978. A replay of the call will be available by webcast for an extended period of time at the Company’s website, at http://investors.edwardsvacuum.com/. About Edwards Edwards is a leading manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products and abatement systems and a leading provider of related value-added services for the manufacture of semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells and a leader in vacuum technology for industrial, pharmaceutical, chemical, scientific, process, glass coating and food packaging industries as well as a wide range of R&D applications. Edwards has over 3,300 full-time employees and over 600 temporary workers operating in approximately 30 countries worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards’ American Depositary Shares trade on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol EVAC. Further information about Edwards can be found at www.edwardsvacuum.com. Graham Corporation: Fiscal Year 2012 Revenue and Gross Margin Outlook Reduced - Net Income Impacted by R&D Tax Credit Adjustment Batavia, NY - May 8, 2012 Graham Corporation (NYSE Amex: GHM), a global designer and manufacturer of critical equipment for the oil refining, petrochemical and power industries, including the supply of components and raw materials to nuclear energy facilities, announced today that it had total orders of $42.3 million in the fourth quarter of its fiscal year which ended March 31, 2012, referred to as fiscal 2012. Included were two orders for oil refining projects in China that totaled $5.5 million. Total orders for the year were $106.7 million. Orders in fiscal 2012 for Energy Steel, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary that focuses solely on the nuclear power market, were $31.8 million. Fiscal Year 2012 Revenue and Gross Margin Outlook Reduced; Net Income Impacted by R&D Tax Credit Adjustment Based on preliminary unaudited results for the fourth quarter, fiscal year 2012 revenue is expected to be approximately $103.2 million, or approximately $20.3 million for the fourth quarter. The revenue shortfall compared with previous guidance of $105 million to $108 million primarily reflects an extension of the fabrication and delivery schedule for the multi-year naval nuclear propulsion program order. As a result of lower than expected revenue, the Company has adjusted its fiscal 2012 gross margin guidance from a range of 32% to 33% to an unaudited 31.6%. Mr. James R. Lines, Graham's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The new outlook for fiscal year 2012 is based on a revised project schedule for the Navy order and doesn't impact our backlog or optimism as we enter fiscal 2013. Additionally, we are pleased with our success in China and the two orders for oil refining projects. I believe that we are still in the early stages of the recovery and the tenor of opportunities in our pipeline has definitely strengthened. Although orders in any one quarter can prove to be lumpy.” The Company also recorded a $433 thousand after-tax charge in its fourth quarter fiscal 2012 related to the adjustment of research and development tax credit claims generated during the tax years ended March1999 through 2008. The aggregate research and development tax credit adjustment, agreed to following an IRS audit finalized in the fourth quarter of 2012, totaled $859 thousand after tax, which includes interest. Of such amount, the Company had previously recorded $426 thousand. The remaining $433 thousand, or $0.04 per diluted share, negatively impacts net income in the fourth quarter. The tax credit adjustment, excluding interest, represents approximately 40% of the $1,871 thousand in credits claimed in the subject tax years. Graham plans to release its audited financial results on June 1, 2012, and will host a teleconference that day at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results and the Company's expectations for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013. To access the teleconference, participants can call 1-201-689-8560 or visit the Company's website at www.graham-mfg.com. A separate announcement regarding the call will also be provided in the near future. Atlas Copco enters vacuum market with its own oil-injected vacuum pump system Antwerp, Belgium - May 2, 2012 Atlas Copco's expertise in compressor technique will now also be applied to vacuum pump technology. Thanks to the synergies between compressed air and vacuum technology, Atlas Copco now designs and manufactures its own vacuum pump systems with the same quality and reliability as those of Atlas Copco's compressors. With the new GV oil-sealed rotary screw vacuum pump, Atlas Copco launches its first pump system for "rough vacuum" between 0.5mbar and 500mbar. At the heart of the new GV is Atlas Copco's in-house designed, reliable screw element. In this operating pressure range, oil-sealed rotary screw technology offers the best performance at the lowest energy cost. Thanks to its modulating valve, fitted at the pump inlet, the capacity can be matched to the actual demand. This concept not only minimizes the system's vacuum level fluctuations, but also operates the pump at the lowest possible energy point. The vacuum pump also has to stop/start less frequently, leading to less wear and maintenance and therefore increased reliability. The GV delivers capacities between 500 and 5000 m3/h, making it the ideal machine for many applications. From printing and packaging to plastics, electronics, woodworking, bottling and canning, the GV delivers consistent and efficient vacuum. Thanks to its quiet operation, the GV can be installed close to the point of use. But this technology also allows for remote installation as part of a centralized vacuum system. As a market leader in compressed air technology, Atlas Copco can now outfit complete factories with both compressed air, low pressure air and vacuum. To customers, this means one supplier and one service technician. Koen Lauwers, Vice President Marketing to the Industrial Air Division, notes: "In the months to come, Atlas Copco expects to launch more and new vacuum pump technologies and systems." contact: Sarah Geerts, Communication Manager Industrial Air Division, e-mail: sarah.geerts@be.atlascopco.com, Tel: +32 3 870 27 77 New gas analysis systems from Pfeiffer Vacuum for pressure ranges up to 50 mbar Asslar - March 29, 2012 - High measurement speed, stability and resolution - Easy system integration - Intuitively operable software With the gas analysis systems Sputter Process Monitor SPM 220 and High Pressure Analyzer HPA 220, Pfeiffer Vacuum has brought two new products onto the market. Both system solutions are based on the proven mass spectrometer PrismaPlus in combination with a dry compressing HiPace turbo pumping station and are used to monitor and document vacuum processes, such as coating architectural glass or thin-film solar cells. The SPM 220 as well as the HPA 220 are available in mass ranges of 1-100 and 1-200 amu; the HPA 200 is also available for 1-300 amu. The Sputter Process Monitor SPM 220 is characterized by a specially developed ion source, which enables a direct connection between the analyzer and the process chamber. This enables the vacuum conditions of sputter processes and similar applications to be monitored at the precise moment up to a pressure of 10-2 mbar. An additional orifice system allows the pressure range to expanded up to 10 mbar. The High Pressure Analyzer HPA 220 is available, depending on the application conditions, with three different gas inlet valves, both manually and electropneumatically operable. Its modular design impresses with a versatile vacuum solution for gas analysis in the pressure range from high-vacuum to 50 mbar. The SPM 220 as well as the HPA 220 are equipped with a number of digital and analog inlets and outlets which enable their simple connection to super-ordinate control systems. The newly developed operating software is distinguished with a clearly laid out user interface as well as simple documentation of measurement results. Furthermore, it is possible to modify the software for special process requirements. download: more contact: Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG Nicole Ackermann, Tel. +49 (0) 6441 802 169 Pfeiffer Vacuum gibt das Gesamtergebnis für das Geschäftsjahr 2011 bekannt Asslar, Germany - March 26, 2012 - Total sales revenues of € 519.5 million confirmed - Earnings development influenced by initial consolidation of adixen - High dividend payout ratio retained Total sales revenues for 2011, which were previously announced as preliminary and have meanwhile been audited, stand at € 519.5 million. This is an increase of 135.6 percent (previous year: € 220.5 million). The first-time inclusion of sales revenues from adixen as well as favorable developments in the core business were responsible for this good result. The earnings development progressed as expected. The initial consolidation of the new subsidiaries had a marked effect on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As a result of the high sales revenues, an operating profit of € 61.8 million (previous year: € 52.9 million) and a net income of € 41.6 million (previous year: € 38.3 million) were recorded. The Management Board and Supervisory Board propose a dividend payout of € 3.15 per share. This results, as in previous years, in a payout ratio of 75 percent. “In the first year after a large acquisition, Pfeiffer Vacuum is highly profitable. In view of our consolidated net profit of € 41.6 million, we intend to distribute € 31.1 million, which corresponds to a dividend of € 3.15 per share (previous year: € 2.90). Our shareholders therefore benefit from the Company’s new direction right from the start“, comments Pfeiffer Vacuum CEO, Manfred Bender, the results. Bender continues, “In future, Pfeiffer Vacuum will contribute even more actively to industrial trends, such as increasing digitalization and growing environmental awareness. Together with adixen, we provide perfect solutions which make numerous technological developments possible in the first place”. Increased sales revenues recorded in 2011 in all regions were largely the result of the first-time inclusion of adixen, but were also due to growth in core business. In Europe sales increased by 80.1 percent to € 229.9 million (previous year: €127.7 million). Sales in Asia rose by 408.5 percent to € 189.8 million (previous year: € 37.3 million). The increase in the Americas was 80.4 percent to € 98.7 million (previous year: € 54.8 million). Variations in sales by products were also clearly impacted by the acquisition of adixen. Sales of backing pumps grew in 2011 by 538.4 percent to € 183.0 million (previous year: € 28.7 million). Sales of turbopumps rose by 56.2 percent to € 144.3 million (previous year: € 92.4 million). A rise of 61.0 percent was recorded in the instruments and components market segment with sales of € 111.3 million (previous year: € 69.2 million). Service revenues rose 213.2 percent to € 72.5 million (previous year: € 23.1 million). Only sales in the systems business proved relatively steady with a growth of 17.7 percent, achieving € 8.4 million (previous year: € 7.1 million). Sales distribution by markets also reflected the specific areas of use of adixen products. Business with semiconductor customers, for instance, rose by 636.9 percent to € 175.4 million (previous year: € 23.8 million). In the heterogeneous industry market, sales increased by 101.3 percent to € 117.5 million (previous year: € 58.4 million). Sales in the analytical industry segment rose by 28.4 percent to € 81.3 million (previous year: € 63.3 million). A similar rate of growth occurred in the research and development market segment with 28.5 percent, reaching € 55.1 million (previous year: € 42.9 million). Gross profit rose by 62.6 percent in 2011 to €167.4 million (previous year: € 102.9 million), corresponding to a gross profit margin of 32.2 percent (previous year: 46.7 percent). There was an increase in the operating profit of 16.8 percent to € 61.8 million (previous year: € 52.9 million). This corresponds to an operating profit margin of 11.9 percent (previous year: 24.0 percent). Almost all items of the Consolidated Statements of Income in 2011 are influenced by effects following the adixen acquisition. In the context of the purchase price allocation, the assets and liabilities of the adixen business units were revaluated with their fair value. The resulting higher values established for the assets acquired led to a rise in the depreciation and amortization base and so also in annual depreciation and amortization. With a negative financial result of € -2.3 million (previous year: € 1.6 million) and a higher tax rate of 30.1 percent compared to the previous year (previous year: 29.7 percent), the net income amounted to € 41.6 million. With an increase of 8.5 percent, this is the highest net income ever achieved in the history of Pfeiffer Vacuum (previous year: € 38.3 million). Earnings per share totaled € 4.19 (previous year: € 4.40). This 4.8 percent decrease is exclusively the result of a higher average number of shares outstanding in 2011 compared to 2010. The cash position of Pfeiffer Vacuum was € 108.3 million as at December 31, 2011, representing an increase rate of 27.4 percent (previous year: € 85.0 million). The balance sheet total as at the end of the past fiscal year was € 476.8 million (previous year: € 498.9 million). The equity ratio rose to 59.0 percent (previous year: 54.0 percent). download: more about Pfeiffer Vacuum 2011 Kontakt: Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology AG Dr. Brigitte Loos, Investor Relations, Telefon +49 (0) 6441 802 346 Edwards Group plans $150 million IPO on NASDAQ Mar 21, 2012 Edwards Group filed with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) this week to raise $150 million in an initial public offering (IPO). According a preliminary prospectus Barclays, Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, RBC Capital Markets and Piper Jaffray were underwriting the IPO. Edwards Group plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol EVAC. Edwards Group, which is based in Crawley, U.K. and manufactures vacuum products semiconductor- and solar industry, for use in R&D equipment, began operations in 1919 and was acquired in 1968 by The BOC Group, which traded on the LSE. Private equity firms CCMP Capital and Unitas Capital Investors acquired the company in May 2007 from Germany's Linde AG and continue to own a substantial majority of shares. The company had previously filed for an IPO in London in March 2011 but decided not to proceed with its up to 450 million pounds($713.12 million) listing last year due to market uncertainty. Sales increased 9% to $1.09 billion in 2011. While gross margin declined 150 basis points to 37%, operating income improved 35% to $159 million. Net income for the year was $88 million. The company intends to use part of the IPO proceeds to pay back debts, the filing did not reveal how many ADSs the company planned to sell or their expected price, the final size of the IPO could be different. EBARA Technologies Launches Reverse Pulse Technology (RPT) Sacramento (CA), USA - Feb. 27, 2012 Reverse Pulse Filter integrates Reverse Pulse Technology (RPT) with high-capacity filter element to extend maintenance intervals and help increase runtime and decrease element changes. It also reduces risk of backstreaming, prevents particles from contaminating pump oil, and prevents buildup and seizing of dry pumps. With stainless steel construction and quick-change filter element, RPT can be applied to crystal-growing and LPCVD tube furnaces, gas pad applications, and wet/dry vacuum pumps. Sacramento, California. EBARA Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the semiconductor industry for dry pumps, vacuum components, and repair services, is proud to announce our Reverse Pulse Technology (RPT). EBARA designs and manufactures application-specific filtration products capable of operating in harsh environments while safeguarding operators and mission-critical equipment. EBARA's Reverse Pulse Filter integrates proven Reverse Pulse Technology with a high capacity filter element to extend maintenance intervals, resulting in increased runtime and fewer element changes. When using EBARA's RPT, the maintenance interval is increased while also protecting the vacuum pumps. With lower maintenance costs, RPT will reduce the risk of backstreaming, prevent particles from contaminating pump oil, and prevent the buildup and seizing of dry pumps. With its stainless steel construction and quick-change filter element, RPT can be applied to crystal-growing furnaces, LPCVD tube furnaces, gas pad applications, wet and dry vacuum pumps, and much more. Custom designs and other options are available upon request. Ebara Technologies - www.ebaratech.com - 151 Main Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95838, USA email, Tel. 800 535 5376 worldwide smallest diaphragm pump SP 100 EC now available as dual model 100 EC-DU Essen, Germany - Feb. 15, 2012 With the worldwide smallest diaphragm pump SP 100 EC as dual model 100 EC-DU Schwarzer Precision offers first-class miniature pump technology in its most compact format. The light-weight of 15 g with a size of only 13 x 22 x 32 mm finds it use especially were condensed design is very important. As all eccentric diaphragm pumps of the SP 100 series the SP 100 EC-DU distinguishes itself through lowest current consumption and is therefore especially suited for portable analysis devices. Two of the latest technical innovations from Schwarzer Precision make the pump a top product: Maximum flow rates and flow-optimized delivery channels in the pump head are achieved with the TN technology ("No Turbulence Technology"). The active balancing system IBE (Individually Balanced Eccentric) provides extreme quietness of running as it is otherwise found only with much larger pumps. Utilizing the opposing plunger principle the dual pump allows delivery of two different media in parallel. It is equipped with two identical pump heads each of which is operated by the same shaft end of the motor. This means optimal utilization of the design volume and thus minimum space for dual pump performance. The modular design of the SP 100 EC pumps permits the exact configuration of the SP 100 EC-DU with a wide variety of diaphragms, valves and motors according to application-specific aspects. Thus it represents an optimal and economic pump solution for all individual customer demands. In its current version with electronically commutating motor it is also the smallest brushless pump worldwide. Its integrated electronics makes separate selection electronics obsolete. SCHWARZER PRECISION - www.schwarzer.com - Steeler Str. 477, 45276 Essen, Deutschland email: info@schwarzer.com, Tel. +49 (0)201 316970 GAPAS - Gas and Process Analysis System Jena, Germany - Feb. 14, 2012 VACOM offers a complete system for a quantitative and qualitative gas analysis for several applications such as catalyst research, monitoring of gas phase in chemical reactions or gas analysis in sputtering and thermal deposition processes. The system consists of a dual stage pumping system, mass spectrometer, pressure sensor, gas inlet and control unit (developed by VACOM). The individual components can be chosen according to the customers' requirements. With GAPAS Gas and Process Analysis System, VACOM provides a system with an excellent price-performance ratio and qualified service. Training is available at the customer's site on request. VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH develops, produces and sells vacuum technology for highly demanding requirements in industry and research. As one of the leading providers of vacuum technology in Europe, VACOM offers technical expertise and a wide range of excellent service. The brand name VACOM stands for products of highest quality and many years of experience in vacuum technology applications. VACOM Vakuum Komponenten & Messtechnik GmbH - www.vacom-vacuum.com - Gabelsbergerstraße 9, 07749 Jena, Germany email: info@vacom.de, Tel. +49 (0)3641 4275-0 |
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