GERMANY – Swiss technology group Bühler has successfully completed the acquisition of Esau & Hueber, a German company known for its specialized solutions in hygienic process and fermentation technology across the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.
The acquisition is set to significantly bolster Bühler’s capabilities in malting, brewery, and sustainable protein businesses, while expanding Esau & Hueber’s technological reach through Bühler’s extensive global network.
Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food business, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our long-term strategic objectives. By leveraging Esau & Hueber’s strengths in brewery and sustainable protein areas, we can provide superior solutions to our customers in these sectors.”
Wick highlighted that the integration of Esau & Hueber’s expertise would help fill technological gaps and further establish Bühler as an industry innovator.
Esau & Hueber, headquartered in Schrobenhausen, Germany, is an independently managed manufacturer with a team of 42 employees.
The company is renowned for designing and building high-tech facilities and developing advanced processing technologies, with particular expertise in yeast and fermentation management, as well as automation.
Despite the acquisition, Esau & Hueber will continue to operate from its base in Schrobenhausen.
Bühler, a global leader in technology solutions for the food, feed, and mobility industries, offers a comprehensive range of technologies that span from raw material processing to the production of malt and beer.
The company also specializes in monitoring product quality through advanced sensors and automating production processes with digital services.
Johannes Schulz-Hess, shareholder of Esau & Hueber, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “I am thrilled for the Esau & Hueber team. The recent successful developments within the company and its capabilities are now opening up entirely new dimensions and opportunities through the association with Bühler. This step will also greatly benefit our customers and create new market potential.”
The integration of Esau & Hueber into Bühler’s operations will commence immediately, with specialized teams from both companies collaborating closely to ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
In 2023, Bühler reported a 16 percent increase in net profit, reaching CHF 179 million (US$202.1 million), despite a 3.8 percent decrease in order intake to CHF 3.2 billion (US$US$3.75B). The company’s turnover grew by 1 percent to CHF 3 billion (US$3.8B).
Notably, North America led the way in order intake and turnover growth, with increases of 26 percent and 24 percent, respectively.
The Middle East, Africa, and India regions also performed well, while Europe saw a mixed performance with declines in both order intake and turnover.
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