U.S.-based Madison Air has agreed to acquire ventilation and motor technology manufacturer ebm-papst in a transaction valuing the company at €5.1 billion (enterprise value). The owner families of ebm-papst have signed an agreement to transfer their shares to Madison Air, with the transaction expected to close around year end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Madison Air provides engineered air quality solutions for applications including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cleanrooms, data centers and residential markets. The acquisition will add ebm-papst’s ventilation and motor technology and engineering expertise to its portfolio, while giving ebm-papst access to Madison’s presence in the U.S. market and U.S. capital markets.
Madison Air intends to invest further in ebm-papst and support the development of its manufacturing operations, supply chains and commercial execution. Mulfingen will remain ebm-papst’s headquarters and a relevant site for R&D and manufacturing. ebm-papst employs more than 13,000 people worldwide, including approximately 5,800 in Germany, and the transaction will not affect existing employment law obligations, collective bargaining agreements or shop agreements.
ebm-papst said its focus areas include data centers, AI infrastructure, electrification, energy efficiency, and sustainable heating and cooling solutions. Its AI-based NEXAIRA platform provides demand-driven control and predictive maintenance and is designed to reduce energy consumption in data centers.
“Thanks to our strategic direction, we are on a clear growth path. Our innovative core Air Technology business is growing strongly, and our data center business is developing exceptionally well,” said Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of ebm-papst. “The Group still has significant potential for further development, and with Madison we have found a partner that understands exactly what defines ebm-papst and what we need to further expand our market leadership. We will also benefit from better access to the U.S. market.”
