German engine manufacturer DEUTZ has signed an agreement to acquire SOBEK Group GmbH.
The German company, which has three sites in Baden-Württemberg and Hessen, operates in several specialised application areas, including motor sports, aerospace, and medical technology.
The company supplies high-performance pumps based on its electric motors and control electronics, with customers including several leading teams in Formula 1 and Formula E.
DEUTZ however says the greatest potential currently lies in the business with drones, which is experiencing strong growth due to geopolitical developments and the increasing importance of unmanned defence systems.
Through SOBEK, we can gain direct access to the rapidly growing defense market.
Sebastian Schulte
The acquisition is a continuation of the DEUTZ Dual+ strategy, which aims to broaden the company’s portfolio, reduce dependence on the cyclical business with internal combustion engines, and systematically expand the defence business.
The company says the acquisition is the logical next step in the transition from component manufacturer to system provider, which will also benefit other areas of its business.
In the context of alternative drives in the off-highway segment, the integrated electric drives manufactured by SOBEK promise many synergies, particularly in terms of control engineering.
“Through SOBEK, we can gain direct access to the rapidly growing defense market and make strategic inroads in this sector beyond the sale of conventional drive systems,” explained DEUTZ-CEO Dr Sebastian Schulte.
Relevant systems partner
“Defence is rapidly evolving in the wake of new technologies and changes to warfare. And demand for military drones is set to continue to increase.
“Together with SOBEK, we can proactively position ourselves as a relevant systems partner in this young and rapidly growing market, and we aim to further expand the established business in motor sports and medical technology.”
Dr Olaf Hahn, current owner and CEO of SOBEK, will continue to be involved with the company for the next 12 months.
The transaction is expected to be completed imminently.
DEUTZ entered the electrical market sector with the acquisition of electric marine engine manufacturer Torqeedo in 2017. The company was subsequently sold in 2024.
