

(File photo)
Midea Group Co, China's biggest maker of home appliances, announced on Wednesday its intention to launch a voluntary takeover offer for all shares in KUKA AG, a leading global supplier of intelligent automation solutions.
The offer will be conducted through Midea's affiliate MECCA International Limited, at EUR 115 per share, according to a press notice issued by Midea.
The completion of the takeover offer will be subject to certain conditions, according to the notice.
The decision confirms Midea's previously stated intention to increase its shareholding in KUKA. Currently, Midea, based in Guangdong province, South China, indirectly owns 13.5 percent of KUKA's share.
"As a customer and investor, we have been impressed by KUKA's management and employees and have had constructive dialogue since building our initial stake in the company," said Paul Fang, chairman and CEO of Midea.
According to Midea, the offer will result in mutual strategic benefits through complementary businesses and joint development of robotics for applications in general industry and logistics as well as service robotics.
According to Fang, Midea would like to have a meaningful stake in KUKA above 30 percent and has no intention of concluding a domination agreement or delisting the company.
"We believe that a larger shareholding strikes the right balance between an independent KUKA while also putting both companies in a position to drive further growth through collaboration, especially in China," said Fang.
According to Fang, the investment fits perfectly into Midea's "smart" strategy, which aims to upgrade its manufacturing competencies and develop smart home devices.
French girl ties the knot with Chinese boy
Beijing Style: ready for bare legs
Century-old station sees railyway evolution
Enthusiasts perform Kung Fu at Wudang Mountain
Stunning photos of China's fighter jets in drill
Monk's mummified body to be made into a gold Buddha statue
Former Chinese solider of the French Foreign Legion seeks wife online
Asia's longest and highest suspension bridge to open to traffic
China's first interactive robot looks like a beauty
Top 20 hottest women in the world in 2014
Top 10 hardest languages to learn
10 Chinese female stars with most beautiful faces
China’s Top 10 Unique Bridges, Highways and Roads
EU decision seen harming China ties
Society firmly rejects Cultural Revolution
Villagers living near Vietnam border are still haunted by war’s legacy
As Chinese sci-fi picks up steam, it’s finding fans around the worldDay|Week