GERMANY: The Bosch Group is planning to acquire Munich-based Bauer Optimierungstechnik GmbH, a company providing air conditioning and ventilation control software primarily for the German market. The acquisition is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.


Bauer Optimierungstechnik currently employs 12 people and generated sales of Euro1.8m in 2012. The company's expertise lies in the open- and closed-loop control of air conditioning and ventilation systems in commercial buildings. For this purpose, Bauer Optimierungstechnik has developed its own control software which provides for a multi-directional air flow pattern, the result of which is uniform in-room air distribution as well as a controlled energy intake.

Commenting on the advantages of this software, Michael Blichmann, the general manager of Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH, said: 'Past experience has shown that this leads to average energy savings of more than 30%.

The system is already in use at more than 1,000 commercial, industrial, and municipal facilities. In Germany, the control software is used by a large number of leading producers of building automation systems. The license for the control algorithms is currently marketed in Germany and four other European countries (Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands), as well as in Australia. Co-operation partners of Bauer have included Delta Controls, DEOS (Plüth), GFR, Honeywell, Kieback & Peter, Priva, Saia, Schneider Electric (TAC) and Siemens.

Bauer Optimierungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG will be completely integrated into Bosch Energy and Building Solutions GmbH, which was established in 2011.